A Study of Challenges Facing Construction of Affordable Decent Low-Cost Housing in Turkana County

Abstract

Whereas housing problems in developed countries are characterised by overcrowding, dilapidated structures and shared bathrooms, developing countries like Kenya, the problem is complicated by lack of serviced land, lack of access to housing finances, rigid legal framework and over dependence on non-local construction materials, techniques and technologies. The objectives of the study were to find out challenges facing construction of low cost decent housing in Turkana, assess the impact of the challenges in the provision of low cost decent housing in Turkana County and suggest a housing policy agenda that addresses the challenges identified in the provision of low cost decent housing in Turkana County. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study, where the targeted population was all 123,192 households in Turkana County. The sample size comprised of 382 households. The sample was identified using stratified random sampling technique and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the households in six administrative sub-counties of Turkana County. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis based on analysis of meanings and implications emanating from respondents’ information and documented data and is presented in discussions thereof. For quantitative data, simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze data by way of frequency counts is presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. The study established that the key challenges facing provision of low cost housing and which also affects their quality were attributed to low income levels, regulatory framework, unfriendly land tenure, availability of materials, poor infrastructure, security and lack of government incentives. The study recommends that Turkana County Government spearhead development and implementation of a tailor-made housing policy in partnership with other stakeholders geared towards addressing the housing challenges identified.