NAIROBI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The number of Kenyans who have registered for the affordable housing program has hit the 100,000 mark amid huge public enthusiasm, an official said on Monday.

Charles Hinga, principal secretary for State Department for Housing and Urban Development said the sharp increase in the number of Kenyans who have registered for the affordable housing program reaffirmed its potential to transform their lives.

"The houses are not free but are being offered at much lower rates than the market rates," Hinga said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Hinga said that a huge traffic on two online affordable housing registration platforms was an indication that majority of Kenyans are keen to own a decent shelter.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has identified affordable housing as part of the development's agenda dubbed the Big Four Agenda on transforming the country.

Hinga said the government intends to construct 500,000 housing units by 2022 to cater for the rapidly growing population in cities and rural towns.

The principal secretary said that a contractor is already on site to implement 1,370 housing units in Nairobi as part of the pilot phase of the ambitious program.

"We have signed a memorandum of understanding with 24 counties that have pledged to place affordable housing agenda at the heart of their development programs," said Hinga.

Hinga said that full implementation of the affordable housing agenda will stimulate economic growth, create new jobs and boost Kenya's attractiveness as an investment destination.

"We anticipate creation of an average of 3 to 5 direct jobs and 8 indirect jobs per house and for every one dollar invested in the project, it is estimated that 3 dollars will be injected into the economy," said Hinga.