Tensions flared in Makongeni Estate in Nairobi after residents protested against what they termed as rushed and opaque evictions from their houses to pave the way for a government-backed affordable housing project under President William Ruto’s flagship programme.
The residents, many of whom are descendants of former Kenya Railways Corporation employees, claim that they were blindsided by an enumeration exercise meant to identify beneficiaries and prepare for relocation.
According to the Makongeni Residents Association, the community was neither properly informed nor consulted about the process.
“We woke up to find officials counting households without any prior notice. No one has explained where we are going or what we are getting in return. They say we'll be compensated, but no clear figures. We've heard rumours of Ksh150,000, but that's not even enough to rent in Nairobi,” one of the residents decried.
The situation escalated when the residents confronted officials and demanded answers. Police were deployed to the area to maintain calm.
The area OCPD Judith Nyongesa, urged the visibly angry residents to cooperate with the enumeration team.
“We want to ensure the right people are compensated,” she said, “but we also ask for calm and order.”
The residents, however, were not convinced by the police. They argue that the land they occupy is tied to unpaid pensions and retirement benefits owed to their parents, many of whom worked for Kenya Railways.
“This land is our inheritance. Our fathers retired without pay, and now they want to evict us without a plan,” another resident said.
Makongeni Estate has been tapped as one of the areas for the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), which aims to address Kenya’s urban housing deficit.
While the project promises low-cost houses for Kenyans, its implementation process has been marred by controversy in several counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
In Makongeni, residents say they have written over 20 letters to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, including Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, but have received no response or help.
The residents are concerned that the project may benefit private developers more than the community, especially due to the land's worth, which is estimated at Ksh50 billion.
