NAIROBI — Habitat for Humanity Kenya on Thursday launched the global ‘Let’s Open the Door’ campaign, positioning adequate housing as a fundamental driver of health, climate resilience, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
The launch, announced on 16 July 2026, forms part of Habitat for Humanity’s 50th anniversary celebrations and is being implemented across more than 60 countries.
Amid a severe housing crisis — with 53 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban population living in slums and a continental deficit of 56 million housing units — the campaign underscores housing’s critical role in broader development.
In Kenya, the housing shortfall is estimated at approximately two million units, with annual demand outstripping supply by around 200,000 homes.
Abi Riak, Area Vice President for Africa at Habitat for Humanity, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative.
“Housing matters because a home is the foundation upon which people build their lives, communities build resilience, and countries build prosperity,” Riak said. “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.”
The Kenyan launch is anchored on two flagship initiatives. The first seeks to empower Maasai women, who traditionally construct manyattas, by equipping them with skills and resources to build climate-resilient and healthier homes.
The programme integrates improved water access, better health outcomes, and cultural preservation, thereby strengthening women’s leadership while safeguarding Kenya’s cultural heritage.
The second initiative, Opening the Door to Jigger-Free Homes, is a five-year programme targeting 10,000 households in jigger-endemic areas.
It focuses on replacing unsafe earthen floors with durable, hygienic alternatives, with the potential to directly benefit approximately 50,000 people by improving health outcomes, school attendance, productivity, and restoring dignity to vulnerable families.
Eileen Mokaya, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Kenya, emphasised the holistic approach. “The Kenya launch demonstrates how housing can address multiple challenges,” Mokaya said.
“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.”
The organisation noted that jigger infestation remains closely linked to poor housing conditions, particularly homes with earthen floors, and that targeted housing improvements can play a vital role in breaking cycles of poverty and ill-health.
