The Environment and Land Court has halted construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang’ata, a week after protests erupted.
The ruling dated December 11 came after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah filed a petition challenging the construction, arguing that it violated the Constitution.
"That pending the Ruling of this court in respect of the Petitioner's Notice of Motion dated July 4, 2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby granted, staying the ongoing construction of social housing and associated infrastructure in Southlands, Langata Constituency, Nairobi County under Contract No. MLPWHUD/SDHUD/SUD/382/2023-2024-LOT NUMBERS 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, which is popularly known as the Southlands Affordable Housing Project," Justice Charles Mbogi said.
Omtatah, in his petition filed earlier this year, raises several issues, including allegations that the project sits on public land, claiming it occupies a road reserve that was fraudulently converted into private property without following lawful procedures.
He further warns that bringing an estimated 70,000 new residents into Lang’ata would overwhelm already strained water supply systems and poor sewer infrastructure, potentially triggering a public health crisis.
The petition also cites environmental and privacy concerns, stating the development lacks the required environmental impact assessments and arguing that the proposed 17-storey height would infringe on the privacy of neighbouring residents living in lower maisonette homes.
He further claims the government failed to conduct proper public participation and rushed the approval process without due process.
Property owners in the vicinity also raised concerns about the potential devaluation of 5–15 per cent and privacy intrusions from the 17–19 floor buildings. Some residents also feared displacement and that the ultimate beneficiaries might be outsiders or individuals with political connections.
Last week, Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Jalang’o led protests against the project, raising concerns over the relocation procedures and compensation.
Residents marched to Ardhi House along Ngong Road, carrying placards and whistles, where officials from the Ministry of Housing received their petition.
Following their demonstrations, ministry officials agreed to suspend the planned evictions until proper public participation has been conducted and residents’ concerns have been addressed.
The decision temporarily halted relocation and demolition activities associated with the project.
The Southlands Affordable Housing Project was a major government initiative aimed at providing 15,960 residential units across 60 high-rise blocks, comprising social housing, affordable housing, and market-rate affordable units.
Planned amenities included a primary school, community centers, retail shops, pedestrian walkways, landscaped gardens, and modern water and waste management infrastructure.
Despite its objectives, the project had faced sustained legal challenges and public opposition, similar to earlier cases in Makongeni Estate, where court orders temporarily halted evictions and demolitions amid concerns over compensation and public participation.
The case will come up for a ruling on February 5, 2026.
