Lawmakers Push Digital Shift to Unlock Affordable Housing Across Africa

Members of the National Assembly have called for stronger legal and digital governance frameworks to accelerate inclusive housing and sustainable urban development, warning that failure to implement existing laws could derail progress across Africa.

The legislators made the remarks on the second day of the Second Africa Urban Forum, where they emphasized that while many countries, including Kenya, have robust policy frameworks, the real challenge lies in enforcement and execution.

Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee Chairperson Rindikiri Mugambi said Kenya has already laid a firm constitutional and legal foundation, but must now turn its attention to making these provisions work in practice.

“Article 43 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to accessible and adequate housing. The task before us is to translate this right into enforceable systems supported by digital platforms that enhance transparency and efficiency,” he said.

Mugambi cited the Affordable Housing Act and the Urban Areas and Cities Act as key legislative tools, noting that they provide clear frameworks for financing, planning and managing housing while promoting public participation and accountability.

At the same forum, Daniel Manduku highlighted the growing importance of technology in closing governance gaps, particularly in urban planning and service delivery.

“Digital urban governance is no longer optional. Systems like e-permitting and GIS mapping reduce delays, eliminate opacity and ensure that planning decisions are data-driven and responsive to citizens’ needs,” he said.

Nairobi County MP Esther Passaris called for inclusivity in the adoption of digital systems, urging policymakers to ensure that vulnerable populations are not excluded.

“We must ensure accessibility for all—women, persons with disabilities and low-income households. Inclusion must be designed into these systems from the outset,” she said.

The lawmakers also urged African parliaments to strengthen oversight through committee inquiries and to allocate dedicated funding for urban technology infrastructure.

They maintained that without enforcement, financing and accountability, even the most well-crafted policies risk remaining ineffective.

“Policy commitments must move beyond paper. Enforcement, financing and accountability are what will ultimately deliver dignified housing for our people,” Mugambi added.