HFC, AK partner to boost athletes' home ownership

Athletics Kenya (AK) on Tuesday 30 May launched a partnership with Housing Finance  (HFC) that will help athletes afford homes. 

HFC will provide financing for athletes looking to own homes. The funds will be available to athletes and other AK members at the incentivized rates of the Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company (KMRC).

In addition to being financed in the journey to own homes, athletes will also benefit from financial management training and the importance of planning for affordable home ownership while still active in their careers.

HF Group CEO Robert Kibaara described the historic partnership as strategic and relevant to the company’s mission of enriching lives.

“As a bank we are committed to strategic partnerships that enrich lives and believe that through this partnership, we will empower our gallant sports men and women to access credit and own their homes,” Kibaara said.

The partnership, according to Kibaara, is evidence of what Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can achieve as far as improving Kenyans’ standards of living are concerned.

“Many Kenyans rely on financing for home purchase and as a bank we are well-equipped to help them navigate this journey by providing relevant home ownership savings plans and end-buyer financing options,” he added.

Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS ) Ababu Namwamba termed the partnership historic as well saying, "Decent shelter is a basic human need and owning a home is the dream of all.The MoU signed today by athletics Kenya and Housing Finance is a historic intervention to provide affordable housing to our athletes, retired & active to end the squalor many live and die in,” Ababu wrote.