Analysis of Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the impact of socio-economic factors on the successful implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme in Mombasa County, Kenya. The scope of the study was vested in the Buxton Point Affordable Housing Programme, where the researcher was interested in examining the former residents of Buxton Point who were relocated to pave the way for the redevelopment of the estate into affordable housing units. From a target population of 520 former households displaced during redevelopment, a sample of 226 respondents was selected to investigate the impact of income, access to financing, employment status, education, and household size on housing outcomes. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression. The results show that household income and access to financing are the best indicators of being able to buy a home, which shows how crucial financial capacity and credit availability are. Employment status and education have moderate positive effects, while larger household sizes make things less affordable. Correlation results indicate strong positive associations between income (r = 0.65, p <0.05) and employment status (r = 0.58, p < 0.05) with housing outcomes. This strong positive correlation is contrasted by a negative relationship between affordable housing programs and household size (r = -0.42, p < 0.05). The regression model accounted for approximately 58% of the variance in housing outcomes (Adjusted R2 = 0.578), with ANOVA results confirming statistical significance between the variables tested. The study concludes that socio-economic factors are central to the success of the Affordable Housing Programme, with income and financing access as the most critical enablers. Policy implications recommended by the study include designing income-sensitive mortgage products, expanding cooperative and microfinance lending, job creation, and skills development to enhance financial capacity. Additionally, aligning housing unit typologies with household size and strengthening financial literacy are essential to increase affordability and eventual uptake of the affordable housing units. By addressing these multi-dimensional barriers, housing policy can move closer to achieving equitable and sustainable affordable housing access.