Makongeni Residents Scramble to Save Belongings Before Demolitions

Bulldozers moved into Makongeni Estate in Nairobi this week, forcing residents to evacuate their homes amid ongoing redevelopment.

Makongeni, a 139-hectare estate developed under the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme, is one of Nairobi’s oldest residential areas, with some families having lived there for more than sixty years. The government plans to replace the existing homes with modern housing blocks, schools, hospitals, commercial centres, and green spaces, promising that current residents will receive priority in future allocations.

Officials state that most households have been given relocation facilitation funds of Sh150,000. However, reports indicate that many residents were not compensated before demolition crews, supported by anti-riot police, began work on Sunday. Families rushed to remove belongings, often using pickups, lorries, and handcarts, before their homes were destroyed.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticised the evictions as unconstitutional, citing Supreme Court standards for evictions set out in the 2021 Musembi v MEC ruling. President Faith Odhiambo said that failure to disburse compensation invalidated the eviction notices and called for an immediate halt to the demolitions. The LSK also condemned the arrest of Makongeni Estate Residents Association officials and threatened further legal action.

Political responses have been divided. Makadara MP George Aladwa defended the demolitions, asserting that registered residents had received compensation and identification cards for future housing. He accused critics of inciting unrest, but acknowledged that his position could have political consequences. 

“I know I may lose some votes, but I am doing this for the people I represent. They will benefit once this project is complete,” he said.