Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has raised concerns over what he described as a government plan to demolish several Nairobi estates later this month to pave way for an affordable housing project.
The MP warned that hundreds of families risk being displaced under the ongoing government initiative meant to expand affordable housing in the city.
According to Owino, the planned demolitions reportedly target homes in Makongeni (Makadara constituency), Jericho, Maringo, Bahati, Shauri Moyo, and Kaloleni — areas where residents have lived for decades.
“These are permanent homes that have served families for generations. The government cannot simply demolish them and expect to compensate residents with only Sh150,000 per house,” he said.
He questioned how the proposed compensation would sustain affected households, adding, “How can that support a household of three to five people? Where will the other family members go?”
Owino also criticised plans to relocate affected residents to affordable housing units, noting that many of the existing projects, such as those in Mukuru, are priced at Sh2 million or more — far beyond the reach of low-income earners.
“How will a person earning a few hundred shillings a day ever afford these houses?” he asked, highlighting what he described as a mismatch between policy and the realities of Nairobi’s urban poor.
The MP urged authorities to first allocate and register any new houses before demolishing existing homes.
“If you have built houses at Mukuru, give them to these residents first and provide titles before deciding to relocate them,” he said.
He also suggested alternative solutions, including using a 10-acre vacant plot in Makadara constituency to build new housing rather than demolishing established homes, emphasising that urban planning should not come at the expense of vulnerable residents.
Owino encouraged residents to defend their property rights and said he would consider legal action to stop the planned demolitions.
“You must stand up for your rights. We will go to court if necessary to prevent this act,” he said. He also appealed to community leaders to advocate for residents and safeguard their interests.
“Defend your people, work for your people, and know that we are with you in this fight,” he said.
Owino further noted that broader socio-economic challenges, including high taxation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living, require urgent attention and are more pressing than demolitions.
“Kenyans deserve security, jobs, and opportunities to build their own homes,” he said.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
