Govt Firm Rebrands On 70th Anniversary, Unveils 5-Year Strategic Plan

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has unveiled a new logo and a new five-year strategic plan as part of celebrations to commemorate its 70 years of building homes for Kenyans through innovative housing solutions.

At a colourful event on Monday, May 27 attended by Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief of Staff & Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, other government officials, corporate leaders, and key partners in the construction industry, the Corporation also unveiled its FY2023/2027 Strategic Plan covering five key result areas.

During the event, Koskei said the government is committed to expanding the capacity of the NHC to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

“To achieve this, we are encouraging public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise.

The new logo of the rebranded National Housing Corporation (NHC) unveiled on May 27, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

"We are also reviewing and updating policies to create a more conducive environment for housing development. Our aim is to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, affordable, and decent housing,” he said.

He further expressed that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to ensuring delivery of high-quality services to Kenyans. 

“Service delivery is the cornerstone of public trust and confidence in government institutions. We have implemented several reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness in our service delivery mechanisms,” he said.

“We have embraced technology to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance transparency. The introduction of e-government platforms has significantly cut down waiting times and improved the accessibility of public services."

He called on public servants to adhere to the highest ethical standards, warning that those found engaging in corrupt practices will face severe consequences.

“Corruption remains one of the most significant challenges we face in our quest to provide effective public service. It undermines trust, distorts our development priorities, and wastes precious resources.

"Our administration is committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Through the eCitizen, we are fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the public service,” he said. 

Speaking at the event, CS Wahome congratulated the Corporation for its role in providing housing for Kenyans for the last 70 years. 

“For 70 years, the National Housing Corporation has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of housing in Kenya. From providing housing solutions to fostering sustainable urban development, the Corporation has been a beacon of hope for countless Kenyans aspiring to own decent homes,” she said.

She added: “Through this rebranding initiative, the Corporation seeks to modernize its operations, enhance its service delivery, and build stronger partnerships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.”

The Corporation’s Strategic Plan is anchored on five major pillars: Housing, Financial, Estate Management, Research & Innovation, and Corporate Sustainability.

Of the one million affordable housing units the Government plans to build by the end of the financial year 2027/2028, the Corporation plans to build more than 100,000 units.

“The Government plans to construct one million housing units by the end of the financial year 2027/2028. Of this, the Corporation will construct 110,000 housing units: 100,000 units under the Affordable Housing Programme, 5,000 units under the commercial band, and a further 5,000 as student hostel rooms,” she said.

Regarding the research and innovation pillar, the Corporation is embracing new building technologies that are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in its projects.

“As we embrace the digital age, it is imperative that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Our plan outlines specific initiatives and investments in a housing resource centre, which will be the hub of information on housing matters for scholars and researchers. This will not only keep us competitive but also pave the way for pioneering solutions,” said CS Wahome.

The NHC Managing Director & CEO, QS. David Mathu, MBS, said that the Corporation is committed to helping the Government achieve 250,000 housing units per year under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“We are actively involved in affordable housing projects in four counties: Nyandarua, Embu, Kirinyaga, and Homa Bay. The Corporation has also broken ground in Meru, Nakuru, Kericho, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Machakos, and Taita,” he said.

The MD said that the Corporation is moving to recover grabbed, saying this has impeded the delivery of the housing agenda.

CS Alice Wahome, PS Charles Hinga and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei during the NHC 70-year anniversary at Bomas of Kenya. /PHOTO