Hundreds of residents of Makongeni estate in Nairobi were on Sunday forced out of their houses as bulldozers rolled in to commence the demolition exercise.
Some of the residents, who were yet to vacate, were caught off guard when the bulldozers, escorted by anti-riot police officers, arrived to demolish the old houses.
With little time to pack up, they scrambled to salvage whatever they could before facing the reality that what they had known as home would soon be gone.
A bulldozer demolishes old houses in Makongeni estate in Nairobi on November 23, 2025 after the residents were evicted by the government to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
For Hannah Endiazi, the five-day notice to vacate had not yet expired when the demolition began.
Thinking her Sunday would be like any other day, she had woken up late after returning from the countryside the previous day.
As she began preparing lunch, she was startled by the roar of the bulldozers as commotion ensued.
“I cannot eat this food now. There is no peace here. I tried to beg them to give me more time to relocate, but they would not listen. I don’t know where to go now. I will just gather my belongings and sleep out in the cold,” Ms Endiazi said.
“I don’t know where they are at the moment. I’m here alone, going in and out to pick whatever I can manage,” she added.
Her mother, who is sick, had gone home the previous day and was asked to return once the notice was issued.
Residents of Makongeni estate in Nairobi watch as a bulldozer demolishes their houses on November 23, 2025 after they were evicted by the government to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Ms Endiazi said while she supports President William Ruto’s affordable housing plan, she feels the residents deserved more time to relocate.
Another resident, Daisy Mbuira, lamented over the inhumane treatment that they had been subjected to by the government.
Pausing mid-interview, she reflected on the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s absence.
“I’m really pained by the death of Raila. He always defended and supported us. Now that he is gone, no one is fighting for us. I’m tired. This country no longer feels like home,” she said tearfully as she stared blankly at her belongings under a changing weather.
Residents of Makongeni estate in Nairobi secure their belongings on November 23, 2025 after they were evicted from their houses to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Doris Wavinya, a widowed mother of two, said she had not received the Sh150,000 compensation promised to the evicted residents.
She explained that her late husband had been a beneficiary of the houses and had lived there since last year.
But even after presenting her husband’s death certificate and other documents, her attempts to secure compensation from the Affordable Housing Board have been futile.
Residents of Makongeni estate in Nairobi watch as a bulldozer demolishes their houses on November 23, 2025 after they were evicted by the government to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
“I have been going to their offices, but they claim my documents are not genuine. What will I do now? Where will I take my children? The small business I had here is gone. I’m lost,” Ms Wavinya said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Evans Nyabuto who said some residents were yet received compensation and that the demolition was being carried out against their wishes.
However, most of the houses had already been vacated following public engagements held since last year.
Makadara MP George Aladwa said the compensation exercise has been transparent and the affected residents will be prioritised once modern houses are constructed.
A bulldozer demolishes old houses in Makongeni estate in Nairobi on November 23, 2025 after the residents were evicted by the government to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
“We agreed that owners would be given Sh150,000 and cards enabling them to own bedsitters in the project. The housing board has been sending the money and issuing cards to the 4,500 registered people,” Mr Aladwa said.
He added that the project will be implemented over the next two years in line with agreements signed with the government.
The MP further claimed that some opponents of the project have incited the youth to cause chaos in the area, despite most genuine owners having already left.
Makadara MP George Aladwa addresses journalists on the issue of Makongeni estate eviction and demolition in Mathare on November 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
“They are paying young people to block roads and cause disruptions. As the area MP, I would not have allowed the demolition if the process was not certified. 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,” Mr Aladwa said, while commending those who vacated willingly.
Makongeni estate is one of Nairobi’s old estates, acquired under the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme.
The 139-hectare estate, which has hundreds of dilapidated structures, is earmarked for demolition.
According to the Affordable Housing Board, once the project is complete, the site will have residential blocks, commercial space, schools, hospitals, green parks civic amenities and other modern infrastructure.
