NAIROBI—Habitat for Humanity Kenya on Thursday launched the global “Let’s Open the Door” campaign, positioning adequate housing as a key driver of health, climate resilience, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
The launch, announced on 16 July 2026, is part of Habitat for Humanity’s 50th anniversary celebrations and is being implemented in more than 60 countries.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces a massive housing crisis, with 53 percent of its urban population living in slums and a deficit of 56 million units. In Kenya, the shortfall is about two million units, with annual demand exceeding supply by roughly 200,000 homes.
Abi Riak, Area Vice President for Africa at Habitat for Humanity, said:
“Housing matters because a home is the foundation upon which people build their lives, communities build resilience, and countries build prosperity. Through Let’s Open the Door, we are calling for greater collaboration, innovation, and investment to reach millions of families across Africa.”
In Kenya, the campaign focuses on two flagship initiatives. The first empowers Maasai women with skills and resources to build climate-resilient homes, while improving water access, health outcomes, and preserving cultural heritage.
The second, “Opening the Door to Jigger-Free Homes” is a five-year programme targeting 10,000 households. It aims to replace earthen floors with durable surfaces, benefiting around 50,000 people by improving health, school attendance, productivity, and dignity.
Eileen Mokaya, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Kenya, said: “Through these initiatives, we are not simply improving houses. We are strengthening women’s livelihoods, improving health and learning outcomes, preserving cultural heritage, and building resilience.”
The organisation noted that better housing can break cycles of poverty and ill-health linked to conditions like jigger infestations.
It called for stronger partnerships, innovation, and investment to scale solutions across Kenya and Africa.
