Every salaried worker in Kenya sees the Housing Levy on their payslip. It funds the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, and Boma Yangu is where you apply for one of its homes.
The Housing Levy
- Employees pay 1.5% of gross pay, and the employer pays the same again. It is deducted through payroll.
- It is a levy, not a personal savings account. Paying it does not by itself entitle you to a house.
- Since late 2024 it is deductible when working out PAYE, so it reduces your tax slightly. See your net pay with the salary calculator.
Boma Yangu
Boma Yangu (“my home”) is the programme’s portal, at bomayangu.go.ke. Through it you register, save towards a deposit, choose a unit in a project, and apply for allocation.
Who can apply
- Kenyan citizens aged 18 or over, with a national ID.
- Generally first-time homeowners in the county where they are applying.
Step by step
- Register on bomayangu.go.ke with your ID number and phone number.
- Save towards a deposit in your Boma Yangu account, by M-Pesa or bank. These are your own savings.
- Choose a project and unit type when projects open for applications.
- Reach the deposit required - commonly around 10% of the unit’s price. Applicants who have saved the deposit are prioritised.
- Allocation is by ballot and eligibility. Successful applicants are notified by SMS and email.
- Pay the balance by the route you choose: a mortgage, a tenant purchase scheme (monthly payments to the National Housing Corporation until you own the unit), or cash.
Nairobi projects
Nairobi has several large projects, such as those at Mukuru, Starehe, Park Road, Pangani and Shauri Moyo, with more under construction. Unit types range from bedsitters to three-bedroom flats, and prices depend on the project and whether the unit is a “social”, “affordable” or “market” unit. Check current projects and prices on Boma Yangu itself.
Is it right for you?
- The wait can be long, and projects may be delivered late.
- Location matters - check the commute from a project before committing. See Nairobi’s neighbourhoods.
- Compare the monthly cost with renting and with an ordinary mortgage. See the mortgage affordability calculator.
Scams
Only Boma Yangu allocates these homes. Nobody can sell you a place in the queue or a guaranteed unit. Pay only into your own Boma Yangu account, never to an individual or “agent”.