A section of residents of an estate in Mwihoko Ward, Kahawa Sukari, Kiambu County, protested against what they describe as an illegal construction project proceeding in defiance of county stop orders and court directives.
They said on Sunday December 28, the contractor continued with the illegal construction as most locals and enforcement officials were on festive holidays. They threatened to pull down the structures amid tension.
There was no immediate comment from the said contractor over the claims. Officials at the governor’s office also said they are investigating the claims and will take necessary action.
The residents had moved to court and obtained orders to stop the illegal construction. They had also petitioned the Kiambu County Government and the National Construction Authority (NCA) to stop the construction.
“He has sent his masons to continue with the illegal construction in defiance of the order in place. He is taking advantage of the holidays for this,” the residents said as they gathered at the site on Sunday in protest of the exercise.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Kiambu County Government and the National Construction Authority (NCA), the residents accuse a private developer of erecting multi-storey rental units within the gated estate, which is zoned strictly for single-dwelling residential use.
According to the residents, the development violates the special conditions contained in their lease agreements, which limit land use to one privateresidential house, excluding a guest house. They argued that the construction threatens the character of the estate, residents’ investments, and public safety. The residents said the project was reported to county authorities, who issued a stop order on October 7, 2024. However, they claim construction activities have continued unabated despite the directive.
“This building has no approved plans and poses a serious safety risk to neighboring properties,” the residents said in their complaint, adding that unregulated construction could compromise structural integrity and strain existing infrastructure.
The affected residents attached photographic evidence of the ongoing works and submitted a petition signed by concerned homeowners opposing the development.
They insisted that the estate is a planned, gated community meant solely for residential purposes and not commercial rental units.
The residents called on the Kiambu County Government, the National Construction Authority, and other relevant agencies to urgently investigate the matter, enforce compliance with planning and construction laws, and impose penalties on those found to be in violation.
They also requested to be kept informed of any actions taken, saying swift intervention is necessary to uphold zoning regulations, protect public safety, and preserve the integrity of residential neighborhoods in Kiambu County.
They accused the developer of boasting he has connections at the County Government.
