Abstract:
This research, guided by sustainability theory and green neighborhood development principles, addresses the limitations of existing affordable housing approaches in Kenya by introducing an evaluation tool that goes beyond simply measuring affordability. While the Kenyan government has made affordable housing a key priority, as evidenced by the BETA agenda and initiatives like the Park Road Ngara Affordable Housing Project, previous efforts have often overlooked long-term sustainability considerations, resulting in projects that fail to meet the needs of residents and communities over time. This study aims to bridge this gap by: Assessing and analyzing existing tools for evaluating affordable housing projects, Identifying key LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development) standards that can enhance the sustainability, affordability, and livability of such projects in the Kenyan context, and formulate an assessment tool tailored to Kenya's unique circumstances. Findings reveal that LEED-ND, while globally recognized for its comprehensive approach to evaluating sustainability, requires careful adaptation to the local context to ensure feasibility and effectiveness. The study identified several key LEED-ND standards, including provisions for walkable streets, mixed-use neighborhoods, reduced parking footprints, access to public transportation, and community outreach and involvement, as particularly relevant for enhancing the sustainability, affordability, and livability of affordable housing projects in Kenya. The proposed assessment tool, incorporating elements of green neighborhood development, offers a framework for evaluating future affordable housing projects, considering not only environmental sustainability but also economic viability and social equity, consistent with BETA’s principles of community empowerment and sustainable development. The study recommends incorporating post-occupancy assessments into the LEED-ND framework to better evaluate resident satisfaction, advocating a shift from a prescriptive approach to a performance-based evaluation.
Areas for future study include:
• Evaluating the correlation between walkability, access to public transportation, and resident health outcomes.
• Examining the effectiveness of community engagement strategies in promoting resident satisfaction and project success.
