KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu and Affordable Housing officials sign the 20% housing scheme agreement at State House on September 13, 2025. (Photo: State House Kenya)
Teachers in Kenya have every reason to celebrate following the State House announcement on September 13, 2025, where the government signed an MoU guaranteeing that 20% of all Affordable Housing units will be reserved for teachers. This is a historic milestone in addressing one of the biggest challenges educators face: access to decent and affordable housing.
But how exactly will this allocation work? If you’ve been wondering, “How will teachers get the 20%?”, this post breaks it down step by step while giving you all the details you need to prepare.
For context, you can also read our detailed coverage of the State House teachers’ meeting 2025 key takeaways, where housing and welfare formed part of the big discussion.
1. Government’s Affordable Housing Program – A Quick Recap
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is part of the government’s Big Four Agenda aimed at increasing home ownership among Kenyans. Through this initiative, thousands of housing units are being constructed nationwide at lower rates, payable through flexible financing models.
Teachers have now been formally recognized as a priority group, meaning their allocation will be ring-fenced within the general housing distribution. This is significant because teachers have historically struggled with housing challenges, especially in urban and high-cost areas.
The Ministry of Housing is working closely with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions to ensure smooth implementation of the teachers’ quota.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Teachers
While the finer details will be issued jointly by TSC, the Ministry of Housing, and unions such as KNUT and KUPPET, the following guidelines are expected to apply:
- Registered Teachers: Applicants must hold a valid TSC number. This may also extend to Board of Management (BOM) and private school teachers if recognized under the MoU.
- Active Employment or Pensionable Status: Both serving teachers and retirees may qualify, though under different financing models.
- Proof of Income: Payslips or pension statements will be required to determine repayment capacity.
- First-Time Homeowners: Priority will go to teachers who do not already own a home under the AHP scheme.
By setting these criteria, the government aims to ensure that those in genuine need of affordable housing benefit first.
3. Step-by-Step Process of Application and Allocation
The allocation process has been designed to be transparent, digital, and efficient. Below is a breakdown of how teachers will apply and secure their units:
Step 1: Registration on Housing Portal
Teachers must first register on the official Boma Yangu portal and create a personal account.
Step 2: Indicating Teacher Category
The portal will introduce a “Teachers’ Category” linked to TSC, ensuring the 20% allocation is separated from the general pool.
Step 3: Verification of Details
Applicants’ TSC numbers, ID numbers, KRA PINs, and payslips will be cross-checked with government databases to confirm authenticity.
Step 4: Allocation Process
Units will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis within the teachers’ quota. If applications exceed available slots, a balloting system may be used for fairness.
Step 5: Financing and Payment
Teachers will have multiple financing options:
- Mortgage financing via commercial banks and SACCOs.
- Tenant Purchase Scheme (TPS) where rent is converted into installment payments.
- Direct salary deductions coordinated with TSC for repayment convenience.
Step 6: Handover of Units
Successful applicants will receive allocation letters, followed by official handover once payment milestones are met.
This process ensures transparency, reduces corruption risks, and allows teachers to track progress online.
4. How the 20% Quota Will Work
For every 100 housing units built under the AHP:
- 20 units will be ring-fenced for teachers.
- The remaining 80 will be allocated to civil servants and members of the public.
This reserved allocation ensures that teachers are not disadvantaged in high-demand counties such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Mombasa. The government has confirmed that allocations will be evenly distributed across counties, guaranteeing fair access to educators in both urban and rural areas.
5. Key Benefits for Teachers
The 20% housing allocation presents several advantages for Kenyan teachers:
- Guaranteed Allocation: Teachers are now assured of a dedicated share of units.
- Affordable Repayment Options: Flexible financing models make ownership more realistic.
- National Coverage: With units available in all 47 counties, teachers can apply for housing closer to their schools.
- Equity and Fairness: Both young graduate teachers and long-serving educators have equal chances.
- Improved Welfare: By reducing the housing burden, teachers can focus better on delivering quality education.
6. Challenges and Concerns
While the move has been celebrated, teachers have also raised concerns:
- Oversubscription: With thousands of teachers applying, demand may still outstrip supply.
- Urban Pressure: In major towns, even the 20% quota may not meet actual teacher demand.
- Financing Strain: Some teachers worry about meeting repayment requirements given stagnant salaries.
TSC and unions have promised to lobby for teacher-friendly financing, including SACCO-led mortgage facilities, to ensure affordability.
7. What Teachers Should Do Now
To prepare for the allocation process, teachers should:
- Stay updated through TSC circulars, KNUT, and KUPPET notices.
- Register on the Boma Yangu portal early to avoid last-minute bottlenecks.
- Keep important documents ready: TSC number, ID, KRA PIN, and recent payslips.
- Consult SACCOs and banks for financing options before applications open.
- Monitor official government channels for timelines and balloting announcements.
8. Link to Broader Teacher Welfare Reforms
The housing allocation is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader welfare package discussed during the State House teachers’ meeting in September 2025. Other proposals included health coverage, promotions, and improved digital transfer systems.
By linking housing to these welfare reforms, the government is signaling a long-term commitment to improving teacher livelihoods.
Conclusion
The allocation of 20% of Affordable Housing units to teachers marks a historic win for the profession. For the first time, educators will not only shape the future of learners but also secure their own dignity through home ownership.
Teachers are encouraged to remain proactive, register early, and prepare financially. Owning a home is no longer a distant dream—it is now within reach. With continued government commitment, teacher unions’ involvement, and transparent digital systems, this program could transform the lives of thousands of Kenyan teachers in the coming years.
