habitat for humanity launches “let’s open the door” campaign to spotlight housing crisis

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Habitat for Humanity Launches ‘Let’s Open the Door’ Campaign to Address Kenya’s Housing Crisis.

Habitat for Humanity's 'Let's Open the Door' campaign targets Kenya's housing deficit through climate-resilient manyattas, jigger-free homes and partnerships aimed at improving health, livelihoods and economic opportunity.

Nairobi, Kenya — July 16, 2026: Habitat for Humanity Kenya has launched a bold new nationwide campaign calling for housing to be recognized as a key driver of health, economic growth, and climate resilience, unveiling two flagship initiatives designed to transform the lives of vulnerable communities across the country.

The campaign, dubbed Let’s Open the Door, marks part of Habitat for Humanity’s global 50th anniversary celebrations and aims to raise awareness of the housing crisis while mobilizing governments, development partners, and communities to invest in sustainable housing solutions.

Speaking at the launch, Abi Riak, Area Vice President for Africa at Habitat for Humanity, called for greater investment and collaboration to confront Africa’s deepening housing crisis. “Housing matters because a home is the foundation upon which people build their lives, communities build resilience, and countries build prosperity,” said Riak. “Through Let’s Open the Door, we are calling for greater collaboration, innovation, and investment to help scale solutions that can reach millions of families across Africa.”

To help close that gap, HFHK unveiled two flagship initiatives.

The numbers underline the urgency: roughly 53% of Sub-Saharan Africa's urban population lives in informal settlements, and the region faces a housing deficit of 56 million units. In Kenya, the shortage stands at an estimated two million units, with demand outpacing supply by around 200,000 homes every year. The first flagship initiative, Opening the Door to Women Building Resilient Manyattas, will support Maasai women in upgrading traditional homes using climate-smart construction techniques while preserving cultural heritage. The second, Opening the Door to Jigger-Free Homes, aims to replace unsafe earthen floors in 10,000 households over the next five years, directly benefiting about 50,000 people by reducing jigger infestations and improving health outcomes and dignity among affected families.

HFHK National Director Eileen Mokaya said the two projects show that investing in housing delivers benefits far beyond shelter alone.

“Through these initiatives, we are not simply improving houses. We are strengthening women’s livelihoods, improving health and learning outcomes for vulnerable families, preserving cultural heritage, and building resilience to future challenges,” Mokaya said. “We hope these models will inspire greater collaboration and investment in housing solutions that can be scaled across Kenya.”

HFHK Board Chair Rosa Sang drew a parallel between the housing challenge and Kenya’s progress on financial inclusion, emphasizing the value of inclusive partnerships. “Poverty was not just about income; it was about exclusion. The same spirit of innovation and partnership can help us tackle the housing challenge and ensure more families have access to safe and decent homes,” said Sang.

As Habitat for Humanity marks five decades of global service, stakeholders at the launch stressed that solving the housing crisis will take collective action from governments, the private sector, development partners, and local communities. Let's Open the Door is expected to grow into a global movement advocating for greater investment in housing solutions that improve not just shelter, but health, education, livelihoods, and climate resilience for millions across Africa. The launch brought together national and county government leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, researchers, and community advocates, reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

Among those in attendance were Machakos Governor H.E. Wavinya Ndeti and Kajiado County First Lady Mrs. Edina Lenku, alongside senior government officials and representatives from organizations working in housing and community development.

Throughout the event, speakers commended Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s decade-long contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable families nationwide, having supported thousands of households in accessing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing while strengthening community resilience.

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