The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Kenya Government housing policies and
strategies for housing the urban poor in Kenya, and how the citizen have benefited from the
scheme/plan. Objective of the article was to examine the effectiveness of Housing policies and
their implementation strategies in the provision of low-cost housing to the urban poor in
Kisumu City. The research question was, how effective are the various Kenya Government
Housing Policies and implementation strategies targeting the provisions of low-cost Housing to
the urban poor in Kisumu City? The study adopted quantitative survey research design. Primary
data was collected through structured interviews/interview guide, self-administered
questionnaires (Delivery and collection questionnaires), observation and check list. Secondary
data was collected from Kenya government national housing policies, national development
plans, research publications, internet among others. Quantitative data was summarized,
categorized, interpreted and analyzed using Tables and percentages. Simple random sampling
was used in this study. The researchers’ target population of 218,766 and sample size of 384
was ideal for this method of sampling. Statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) was used to
analyze the data collected from the field. Correlation analysis was done on both dependent and
independent variables with supply of electricity as the control group. Findings revealed that
housing has never been a core area of government interest, the government does not drive
and guide regional and local action on housing, lack of attempt by the government to broaden
focus on housing policy and integrate it with wider economic, social and environmental goals,
lack of good policy/subsidy mix and balance, lack of effective implementation strategies, poor
promotion of Security of Tenure, inadequate supply of affordable land and infrastructure,
inadequate housing finance system, poor utilization of local building materials and
technologies, lack of support to small scale – construction activities/contractors, inappropriate
standards and legislation and inadequate participation of communities in low-cost housing.