Integrating Innovative Design Strategies in Advancing Sustainable Housing in Kenya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, persistent housing deficits, and environmental pressures have intensified the need for sustainable housing solutions in Kenya. This study evaluates sustainability in Kenya’s housing development and explicates the contribution of innovative design strategies in the advancement of sustainable housing in the nation. Guided by pragmatist philosophy, the study employed a qualitative methods design to assess the role of innovative housing strategies in the promotion of sustainable housing. Data was collected through site inspections of ten ongoing public housing projects, a survey of 342 housing-sector stakeholders selected proportionately from government, private, and civil-society institutions, and focus group discussions with 39 technical experts. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo to extract recurrent patterns and insights on sustainability of housing. The findings revealed that low public engagement, inadequate maintenance, and constrained implementation, attributed to financial and technical barriers, posed significant challenges to sustainable housing. The study concludes that sustainable housing in Kenya requires holistic interventions spanning environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social inclusivity, underpinned by progressive policy and contextually attuned design. The empirical results inform targeted policy recommendations to advance sustainable and innovative housing practices