Kenya’s Housing Program Wins Global Tech Award for Smart City Integration

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has been elevated to a global model for urban development, receiving the prestigious Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025 from the World Broadband Association (WBBA) in Cape Town, South Africa. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, who received the award, was also recognized for his leadership in spearheading the smart cities initiative.

The “Gigacity” concept recognizes cities that embed high-speed digital connectivity and smart technologies to enhance productivity and quality of life. WBBA Director General Martin Creaner lauded Kenya for proactively revising its Building Code to ensure that new developments support robust fiber networks and high-speed gigabit connectivity, positioning Kenya among leading nations in tech-driven urbanization.

The AHP is not merely a construction project; it is a massive economic stimulus. With over 214,000 housing units currently under construction across all 47 counties, the program has profound effects on the national economy. PS Hinga explained that the initiative has already created more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and is projected to generate up to one million over its full lifecycle.

Crucially, the government has ring-fenced billions of shillings for the Jua Kali (informal) sector, tasking artisans to supply key materials like doors and windows for AHP projects. This strategy directly fuels local industries and stimulates demand in the manufacturing sector for essential materials like steel and cement.

PS Hinga confirmed that the new gigacity infrastructure will be deployed in upcoming AHP developments, cementing technology and digital inclusion into the national housing agenda. Projects like the Boma Yangu Mukuru Housing Estate and Konza Technopolis (where over 2,000 units are being built) are now being showcased by UN-Habitat and other partners as models for sustainable city-building in Africa.

This integration of sustainability, climate resilience, and technology forms a comprehensive urban development strategy, solidifying Kenya’s transition into a truly connected and digitally inclusive economy.