NAIROBI, Kenya — Chaos and desperation engulfed Nairobi’s Makongeni estate on Saturday as government forces moved in to evict over 40,000 residents, clearing the way for the administration’s ambitious Affordable Housing Programme.
The operation, which reportedly began earlier than residents anticipated, sparked running battles between police and locals who protested the forceful removal.
Witnesses report that the atmosphere in Makadara turned volatile as residents engaged police officers in confrontations near the Kenya Railways offices.
Frustrated crowds had gathered hoping to confirm their names for promised compensation payments of kSh 150,000 before vacating. However, tensions boiled over when many claimed they had been excluded from the payout list.
“All we want is goodwill in the implementation of this project. There is a lot of discrimination on those who are receiving the payment. The local leaders have taken up the process and they are giving names of those affiliated to them while leaving out the residents,” said Mr. Samuel Maina, Chairperson of the Makongeni Residents Association.
Confusion over eviction dates
A major point of contention was the timing of the eviction. Residents expressed shock and anger that the demolition squads arrived on November 22, despite an earlier notice indicating they had until December 2 to vacate the premises.
This sudden move left thousands stranded, scrambling to salvage belongings as structures were brought down.
Allegations of discrimination and “brokers”
Mr. Omondi Otieno, Secretary of the Makongeni Residents Association, clarified that while the community does not oppose the development agenda, they reject the opaque process that has sidelined genuine occupants.
“We are not opposed to the affordable housing program. The issue is that we have not been given attention. We have said that let the process be transparent, let us come to the table and have a dialogue together…. there is no good will in this and we are going to stand our ground and we are going to make sure that our voices are heard,” Mr. Otieno stated.
Residents also accused local leaders of turning into “brokers” and demanded direct intervention from the Head of State.
“What we are demanding is dialogue. If that happens and we have our concerns raised, we will be willing to move out the next day. We want to have a conversation with the President face to face, not though some of the local leaders who have turned to be brokers,” said resident Jane Juma.
The master plan for Makongeni
The government has earmarked the 139-hectare estate, currently characterized by dilapidated colonial-era housing, for a modern urban district.
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According to the Affordable Housing Board, the new development will feature:
- Residential blocks: A mix of social, affordable, and market-rate units.
- Commercial hubs: Retail and office spaces.
- Public amenities: Schools, health facilities, green parks, and modern infrastructure including stormwater systems and solar fields.
The Affordable Housing Board maintains that over 4,600 households were verified and supported to vacate through a process involving barazas and SMS communication in multiple languages.
However, the scenes on the ground suggest a disconnect between the official narrative and the reality faced by the thousands now displaced.
