NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 14-Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) will convene the fifth Kenya Affordable Housing Conference from August 20 to 21, with the focus shifting from simply building more homes to finding ways of enabling millions of Kenyans to afford them.The two-day conference, to be held at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, will bring together government officials, lenders, developers, investors, pension funds, SACCOs and international experts to examine financing models that can expand access to homeownership.Held under the theme “Scaling the Base: Unlocking Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Solutions,” the conference comes amid growing recognition that Kenya’s housing challenge is not only about the number of units being constructed but also the ability of households to finance home purchases.KMRC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Johnstone Oltetia said the sector must address both the shortage of affordable homes and the financing barriers that keep many Kenyans outside the formal housing market.“This year’s theme speaks to both the scale of the challenge and the promise before us: to close the twin gaps that constrain access at scale,” Oltetia said.He said one of the gaps lies on the supply side, where there remains a shortage of affordable housing units, while the other is on the demand side, where Kenyans with informal or irregular incomes struggle to access housing finance.The conference will therefore examine alternative financing models, including blended finance, development finance and mortgage liquidity facilities, as stakeholders seek to widen the pool of potential homeowners.A key area of discussion will be how to bring informal workers, micro-entrepreneurs, SACCO members and other underserved groups into the formal housing finance system.SustainabilityRepresentatives from Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and India are expected to share experiences on lending to households that have traditionally struggled to qualify for conventional mortgages.The discussions will also examine land administration reforms, title regularisation and improved land governance, with stakeholders expected to assess how such reforms can unlock housing development and attract investment.The conference will also explore how Kenya can incorporate sustainability into affordable housing without pushing up the cost of homes.Discussions will cover climate-resilient housing, green buildings, resource efficiency and the role of housing in creating healthier and more sustainable cities.Technology is expected to feature prominently, including modern construction methods, innovative building solutions and the potential use of artificial intelligence across the housing value chain.KMRC said technology could help lower construction costs, improve efficiency and accelerate project delivery.The conference will also examine data on Kenya’s residential property market, including the Residential Property Price Index and emerging housing market trends.The information is expected to give investors, lenders, developers and policymakers a clearer picture of housing affordability, demand, investment patterns and the performance of housing interventions.Stakeholders will further draw lessons from housing finance and delivery models in Japan, India and South Africa, with discussions aimed at determining which approaches can be adapted to Kenya and the wider African market.Homeowners experience Unlike industry forums that primarily bring together policymakers and investors, the conference will also feature experiences from Kenyan homeowners.Their stories are expected to highlight the practical barriers households face in trying to acquire homes and provide insight into whether existing housing and financing interventions are responding to citizens’ needs.KMRC said the conference is intended to generate practical solutions and partnerships that can accelerate homeownership and deepen financial inclusion.The event will conclude with the inaugural Kenya Affordable Housing Awards, which will recognise primary mortgage lenders for their contribution to expanding homeownership, promoting sustainability, improving customer experience and driving innovation across the housing value chain.