PS Charles Hinga Orders Kenyans to Vacate 6 Nairobi Estates in 2 Months

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga addressing an event for Earth Negotiations Bulletin in June 2022.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga addressing an event for Earth Negotiations Bulletin in June 2022.
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Diego Noguera/IISD

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has directed individuals living in six estates in the Eastlands area of Nairobi to vacate.

In a letter copied to the Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, the PS named the affected areas including Jogoo Road Phase I & II, Jamaa, Mbotela, Ahero, and Mawenzi Gardens.

The departure is expected to pave the way for the construction of affordable housing which he noted would be available for Kenyans to purchase or lease.

Hinga further revealed that the affected families had lived in old government houses and have until April 30, 2024, to leave.

Jogoo Road
A section of Jogoo Road pictured in 2021.
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"As you are aware, the Government is implementing the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which is part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Pursuant to this, several old estates have been identified for redevelopment in order to increase rental stock, avail houses for sale to citizens at affordable rates, and create job opportunities for the youth," he directed.

"In line with this, several Government Estates in the Eastlands area have been identified and earmarked for redevelopment. These include Jogoo Road Phase I & II, Jamaa, Mbotela, Ahero, and Mawenzi Gardens. To pave the way for their redevelopment, there is a need to vacate all tenants residing in these Government estates immediately."

The PS further directed the occupants to ensure that they surrender to the Director of Estate Management in vacant possession. Tenants are, therefore, expected to all the outstanding rent arrears, utility bills and service charges.

"Please note that tenants vacated from these estates will be accorded priority to purchase or rent a house once the redevelopment is complete," he added.

The affordable housing project formed the basis for President William Ruto's legacy with the president noting that over 130,000 jobs as a result have been created since he ascended to power.

Ruto aims to deliver over 200,000 affordable units every year to meet the high demand for housing infrastructure by Kenyans.

“Since President Ruto took office, 36,092 new units have been initiated in various regions, resulting in a substantial number of jobs,” State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed told the press at the time.

As of August last year, the construction of 36,092 units had already taken off while the affordable Buxton Estate housing project, initiated under Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, was handed over to buyers.

The Bondeni Affordable Housing Project in Nakuru County on Monday February 13, 2023
The Bondeni Affordable Housing Project in Nakuru County on Monday, February 13, 2023
PCS