Majority of Kenyans want to own homes – survey

At least 89 per cent of people who participated in a poll conducted by Radio Africa Group indicated that owning or building a home is vital. 

From the poll, 49 per cent of the participants said it is very important for them to own a home, while 40 per cent noted it was important. 

Additionally, some 48 per cent said it is very important to be financially independent, while 43 per cent noted it is just important. 

8 per cent were neutral about being financially independent. 

The survey further indicated that it is very important for 46 per cent of the participants to earn high salaries, while 43 per cent believe starting a business is very important. 

Interestingly, 40 per cent noted that it is very important to have children, while 45 per cent considered the idea of starting a family as important. 

Some 33 per cent said it was very important to finish education. 

The poll dubbed 'Kenya National Social Research 2023' noted that 37 per cent consider caring for the poor and needy in the society as very important. 

The survey was conducted between June 29 and July 11, 2023.

3,000 respondents participated in the survey which had a margin error of  +/- 1.8 per cent with a 95 per cent confidence level. 

The survey comes at a time when the Kenya Kwanza government is pushing for every citizen to own a home through the affordable housing programme. 

President William Ruto has insisted that the programme will give Kenyans dignified housing and economic progress.

"We have an opportunity of a lifetime to change and transform our nation," Ruto said.

Those under social housing will pay rents ranging from Sh3,000 - Sh5,000, those under affordable housing will pay between Sh5,000 and Sh15,000 and those under market prices will pay whatever the developer will deem fit.