(MOMBASA, KENYA) – Mombasa is undergoing a rapid transformation through towering housing projects under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), with ultra modern buildings expected to reshape the coastal city’s skyline.
Renowned globally for its rich history, culture and diverse tourism packages, Mombasa is witnessing a wave of housing and mixed use developments that are set to modernise residential and commercial spaces, further cementing the city’s position on the global map.
In Nyali Sub County, the KES7 billion ($48.5 million / £38.2 million / €45.2 million) Affordable Housing Project is steadily taking shape, with the housing component currently 70.5% complete and expected to be ready by February 2027.
County Housing Director Meshack Odhiambo said supportive infrastructure, including a market and school, was progressing well, with the facilities expected to be completed by the end of August 2025. He said locals are encouraged to invest in buying a house in a liveable environment, with all the necessary infrastructure in place. They can also apply to the County Department of Trade for allocation of market stalls for business.
The multi use development is being constructed on 23 acres in the upmarket Nyali suburb and commenced in mid February 2025. It comprises 14 residential blocks featuring studio, two bedroom, and three bedroom units.
The project is expected to help address Mombasa’s housing deficit, with the 14 towering blocks poised to redefine the area’s skyline and create a modern vertical urban hub. Landscaped courtyards and pedestrian walkways at ground level will connect the residential blocks.
Beyond housing, the development includes an Early Childhood Development centre, primary and junior secondary schools, a market with 1,000 stalls, a commercial building, a community centre, a clubhouse, and a wastewater treatment plant.
The market component is expected to be completed in October 2026, while the housing units are scheduled for completion in February 2027. The project has created more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the Jua Kali sector playing a significant role in its implementation.
Strategically located off the Mombasa Malindi Highway, which is currently under construction, the project is expected to benefit from improved accessibility once the road works are completed.
In Mvita Sub County, construction of the Hobley Road and Makupa mixed use development, as well as the Shanzu Teachers Training College and NYS Training College projects, is at the foundation stage.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor has also urged residents to register on the Boma Yangu platform to increase their chances of owning homes under the Affordable Housing Programme. He said that in housing alone in Mombasa County, the government has started the construction of houses, markets, and hostels. Mombasa alone has projects worth KES23 billion ($159 million / £125 million / €148 million), with the Nyali and Hobley Estate Affordable Housing Projects each allocated KES7 billion ($48.5 million / £38.2 million / €45.2 million).
The government is also constructing an eight storey modern hostel at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Port Reitz campus in Changamwe Sub County, while another hostel is planned for Shanzu Teachers College in Kisauni Sub County.
Overall, 10,000 housing units are expected to be constructed across Nyali, Mvita, Likoni, Kisauni, Changamwe and Jomvu sub counties under the Affordable Housing Programme.
The latest project to be launched is the KES685 million ($4.74 million / £3.74 million / €4.42 million) Makupa Modern Mixed Urban Development and associated infrastructure in Mvita Sub County.
The project will see the redevelopment of the historic 106 year old Majengo Market into a 13 storey mixed use complex within 12 months. The modern facility will comprise a market, residential units, offices, restaurants, food courts, conference and meeting rooms, a guard house, waste management facilities and a power house.
The development is expected to breathe new life into the historic trading centre, providing modern facilities for traders while promoting business growth.