A number of churches and a mosque in Nairobi’s Makongeni Estate are set for demolition as the government intensifies efforts to clear the area for a large-scale affordable housing project.
Some of the churches built using temporary structures have already vacated, while others, whose buildings are semi-permanent or permanent, are still waiting for government engagement on compensation and relocation.
Among the worship centres ordered to vacate by the end of Wednesday are Makongeni SDA Church, Legio Maria Church, Join Gospel Church and Makongeni Mosque.
Pastor Nicholas Kisavi of Join Gospel Church expressed disappointment over what he described as mistreatment by the government, saying their proposals were ignored. While the church supports the affordable housing project, he said they should have been given more time to relocate.
Pastor Nicholas Kisavi of Synagogue of Praise for all Nations Church addresses the pending demolition of his church located in Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road on December 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu| Nation Media Group
He added that despite ongoing talks with Kenya Railways over compensation, police officers arrived on Wednesday morning ready to flatten the church.
“They came led by the OCS, removed the church fence and warned that if we had not cleared our belongings by 4 pm they would demolish the entire structure,” Pastor Kisavi said.
He explained that it was impossible to vacate on such short notice because the church has equipment and has been hosting some of the residents evicted from the estate.
The Synagogue of Praise for all Nations Church located in Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road on December 10, 2025. The church is fighting off demolition to pave the way for the construction of houses within the Affordable Housing program by the Government.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu| Nation Media Group
“We are only asking for time—at least three months—to find alternative land. We have agreed to leave, but not within a day,” he said.
According to him, the church has spent approximately Sh6 million over the last nine years on the property since they began leasing it from Kenya Railways.
Joyce Njeri, a widow living in the church, said she now has nowhere to go with her three children.
“This church has been our home. I am asking the President to listen to the church leaders and allow them time to continue operating here. I don’t know where to go now,” she said.
Leaders from Makongeni SDA Church said they have invested millions of shillings in putting up a permanent structure which is now facing demolition. One of the pastors said the church has operated there for more than 20 years and that its lease has been terminated without compensation.
At Makongeni Mosque, worshippers expressed similar concerns. Yusuf Isack said the mosque serves hundreds of residents who will be stranded if it is demolished.
Makongeni Mosque located in Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road on December 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu| Nation Media Group
“If the government is putting up new houses, where will people worship? If it’s an issue of money, we are ready to buy this land. We are not vacating. Let the government listen to us,” he said.
But Makadara Deputy County Commissioner Philip Koima dismissed claims that worship centres and residents were caught unawares. He said all institutions and households in the earmarked zones were adequately notified ahead of the exercise.
He said government teams not only issued formal notices but also visited the affected institutions in person to explain timelines and expectations.
“As we speak, a bulldozer has demolished the Legio Maria Church,” Mr Koima said, stressing that the government had been patient but ultimately had to proceed as scheduled.
On Sunday, a section of Makongeni residents led by Makadara MP George Aladwa took to the streets demanding fairness in the eviction process.
The MP questioned why, while thousands of residents were swiftly removed from the old estates, some businesses were still operating weeks later.
“We agreed and asked the people to vacate to pave way for the affordable housing project. They left, and we support the new houses. But someone here has not been touched, and it is causing tension,” Mr Aladwa said.
While the government insists it is clearing the estate for redevelopment, the MP argues that businesses still operating on the site will delay construction.
“We want the remaining businesses removed. Residents are waiting for the construction to begin so they can occupy the new houses in two years, but nothing is happening because some people have gone to court to stop evictions,” he said.
