The demolition of old houses in Nairobi's Makongeni Estate to pave the way for the government’s affordable housing project was completed Wednesday evening — despite an active court order stopping the exercise.
All the single-room houses were flattened, and excavators had begun tearing down sections of the remaining flats.
Most former tenants have already moved out, which the Affordable Housing Board hailed as a successful relocation process, saying each household received Sh150,000 in compensation.
However, several residents have disputed the claims, insisting the process was rushed, lacked transparency and left some unpaid.
“We left because no one listened to us. I have not received any money to date — I only hear others saying they were paid,” said Dennis Ochieng, noting that he has since been forced to downgrade to a cheaper neighbourhood.
As the demolition continued under heavy anti-riot police presence, groups of youth were seen scavenging through the rubble for metal, blocks and other reusable materials.
“We are not stealing from anyone. The houses are already gone and we are only taking what is left. This is our chance — let them continue,” one youth said while collecting metal sheets.
On Monday, the Environment and Land Court had issued an order halting the demolition, citing unlawful evictions. The directive followed a petition by the Makongeni Residents Association and five others who argued that their rights were violated and that public participation was inadequate.
Despite the order, the demolition proceeded uninterrupted.
Residents and scavengers search for metals and other reusable or recyclable materials at Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road, Nairobi, on November 26, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Makadara MP George Aladwa defended the process, saying genuine tenants had been compensated and issued cards guaranteeing allocation of bedsitters in the new Makongeni Estate once complete — expected within a year.
“In 2024, Kenya Railways confirmed that pensioners sold the scheme to the government for upgrading. We held meetings, agreed as beneficiaries, and compensation was done,” said Mr Aladwa.
The MP maintained that many current occupants were not original tenants, yet they still received payment rather than being forcefully evicted.
“The cards were issued last Friday and the money was sent to their phones. It is meant to help them start afresh. The government says the project will be done in two years,” he told Nation by phone.
Residents and scavengers search for metals and other reusable or recyclable materials at the ruins of Makongeni Estate along Jogoo Road, Nairobi, on November 26, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Mr Aladwa also dismissed opposition to the project, accusing unnamed influential individuals of sponsoring youth to disrupt the redevelopment along Jogoo Road.
