More than 50,000 Kenya Defence Forces personnel can now buy homes under the Affordable Housing Programme via their subsidised four-percent interest rate mortgage. This is after the government signed a partnership deal with KCB Group allowing soldiers to buy houses via the Civil Servants Housing Mortgage Scheme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Charles Hinga, Principal Secretary, State Department of Housing and Urban Development, said giving army personnel houses was aimed at motivating them to be focused on their official assignments.
“We have unlocked homeownership for army personnel whose selfless service continues to make us proud. Civil Servants Mortgage Scheme is no longer for senior officers only but for eligible army personnel,” said Hinga.
The facility enables the army men and women to buy completed houses, acquire residential plots, construct houses, complete ongoing housing projects, combine plot purchase and construction, release equity, and take over mortgages from other financial institutions. For officers professing the Islamic faith, the facility is available via Shariah-compliant financing solutions offered under KCB’s Sahl product.
Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru described the partnership as timely, saying servicemen make heavy sacrifices when serving the nation, adding:
“Provision of decent housing is a fundamental basic right enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya. But today, we celebrate them by opening a home ownership pathway for them,” said the PS Defence.
KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said the programme represents a major milestone in expanding affordable housing finance to one of Kenya’s largest public-sector workforces, adding:
“The onboarding of more than 50,000 active KDF personnel presents a significant milestone in broadening access to affordable housing finance,” said Kimtai.
General Charles Kahariri, Chief of the Defence Forces, said:
“This partnership gives our personnel a practical and affordable opportunity to own homes beyond service accommodation. By widening access to mortgage financing, we are strengthening the welfare of our officers and their families, giving them greater security and confidence as they plan for the future. When our people know that their families are secure, they can serve the nation with even greater focus and commitment.”
