The International Housing Solutions Group (IHS)Â has announced significant progress in its mission to deliver sustainable, climate-resilient, and affordable housing across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, IHS has already delivered 200 green affordable housing units to the market, with a further 464 units under construction for completion in 2026 and 2027, and more than 2,300 additional units currently in its pipeline.
The milestone positions IHS on track to deliver 3,000 homes by 2030, reinforcing its leadership in the institutional delivery and management of investment-grade affordable housing that combines financial sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social impact.
As urban populations continue to grow across Africa, the demand for quality and affordable housing remains acute. In Kenya alone, the housing deficit exceeds 2 million units, with annual demand growing by an estimate of between 200,000 and 250,000 units against a supply of fewer than 50,000 units. Addressing this challenge requires innovative financing models, long-term investment, and climate-friendly development approaches.
IHS developments are designed to be climate-resilient, community-focused, and accessible to low- and middle-income households. Having pioneered green affordable housing in Africa, through the adoption of internationally recognized IFC EDGE certification standards, IHS projects deliver measurable resource efficiencies, achieving a minimum of 20 percent savings under basic certification and up to 40 percent savings under EDGE Advanced certification levels. These efficiencies translate into lower utility costs for residents while enhancing the attractiveness of developments to impact-oriented and institutional investors and mortgage funders.
Beyond housing delivery, IHS developments are designed to strengthen resilience against climate-related shocks and foster thriving communities through integrated social infrastructure, employment opportunities, and sustainable urban planning.
Speaking during the 2nd Annual International Housing Solutions Kenya Affordable Housing Conference held in Nairobi today, Kioi Wambaa, Managing Director, IHS Kenya, emphasized the broader impact of affordable housing investments.
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“The delivery of green affordable housing is not simply about constructing buildings; it is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving quality of life for thousands of families. Sustainable housing developments have the power to drive economic growth, enhance resilience, and provide a foundation for future generations to thrive,” said Wambaa.
As part of its commitment to innovation, IHS is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve design efficiency, predictive maintenance, operational performance, and property management. These, innovations help ensure long-term livability, asset value preservation, and enhanced resident experiences.
The conference, held with Absa Bank Kenya as the title sponsor, brought together developers, financiers, policymakers, investors, and housing sector stakeholders to address structural bottlenecks in housing delivery and identify practical solutions for scaling affordable housing across the region.
Speaking at the conference, James Agin, Managing Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa Bank Kenya, underscored the critical role of innovative financing and strategic partnerships in expanding access to affordable housing.
“Affordable housing remains one of Kenya’s most significant socio-economic priorities, and unlocking sustainable financing solutions is essential to bridging the housing gap. As a leading financial institution, Absa Bank Kenya is committed to supporting developers, investors, and homeowners through innovative financing models that enable the delivery of quality, affordable, and environmentally sustainable housing. Through collaboration across the public and private sectors, we can accelerate housing development and create inclusive communities that contribute to Kenya’s long-term economic growth,” said Agin.
Discussions focused on expanding access to housing finance, strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing value-chain collaboration, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices to support Africa’s rapidly urbanizing population.
Speaking at the conference, Rob Wesselo, Managing Director, IHS Group underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the continent’s housing challenges.
“Our achievements in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrate that affordable housing can be both sustainable and commercially viable. However, the scale of the housing challenge demands stronger partnerships between governments, investors, developers, and financial institutions. Together, we can unlock the capital, innovation, and policy support needed to deliver housing solutions that are climate-resilient, socially transformative, and future-ready,” said Wesselo.
Policy alignment and continued government support remain critical to scaling affordable housing delivery. Working alongside public and private sector partners, IHS is committed to accelerating housing production and helping transform housing markets across Sub-Saharan Africa-from delivering thousands of homes today to supporting the development of millions of homes in the decades ahead.
