Families in Makongeni are staring at an uncertain future after the government ordered them to vacate their homes by December 2 2025.
Some residents have called the area home for over 60 years, building their lives and raising generations in the estate.
The eviction notice is to pave way for an affordable housing project under President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza bottom-up transformative agenda.
The government has promised to give displaced residents priority in accessing the affordable houses once completed.
However, the abrupt deadline has left families scrambling, with many saying they have nowhere to go.
Beyond the housing crisis, residents fear for Makongeni Grounds, a community facility that has nurtured local sports talent for decades.
They worry the recreational space may be lost in the redevelopment plans.
Adding to their frustration, residents under the Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme were offered a relocation facilitation fee of approximately Ksh150,000.
They argue this amount falls far short of what was initially agreed upon for relocation and settlement.
The inadequate compensation has left many feeling abandoned by the system they served for years.
Families are now pleading with the government to reconsider its approach and extend the deadline.
They want more time to organize alternative housing and fair compensation that reflects their years of service and residency.
The residents say a humane approach would allow them to relocate with dignity rather than desperation.
