By Andrew Kariuki

The government has issued a 13-day notice to thousands of tenants in Kibera’s Soweto Zones C and D, directing them to vacate the area or face forceful eviction.

In a notice from the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Public Development, residents have been asked to leave by April 23, 2026, to allow for site clearance under an ongoing urban upgrading programme.

“This is to inform all residents of Kibera Soweto Zones C and D that site clearing will start on Friday, April 24, 2026,” reads part of the notice from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The directive, which has been circulated to residents after being received by the Deputy County Commissioner of Lang’ata Sub-County on April 7, warns that operations will begin immediately after the deadline.

The planned evictions are intended to pave the way for a government-led redevelopment project aimed at transforming the informal settlement into a modern housing estate.

According to project briefs, affected residents will be prioritised in relocation plans and later considered for allocation of units under the Affordable Housing Programme.

Data from UN-Habitat and the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP) shows that Zone C covers approximately 3.6 hectares and hosts about 3,256 people living in 410 structures, while Zone D spans 4.5 hectares with around 4,331 residents in 588 structures.

Combined, the two zones are home to more than 8,000 tenants who depend on the area’s informal economy and established social networks.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has previously indicated that the redevelopment will include modern amenities such as reliable water supply, electricity, and waste management systems.

The new housing units are expected to replace the current informal structures with multi-storey buildings, alongside social infrastructure such as early childhood development centres and recreational facilities.

The redevelopment of Zones C and D forms part of a wider government plan to deliver up to 25,000 housing units within Kibera.

Officials say earlier phases, including works in Zone B, are nearing completion, but the success of the current phase will largely depend on effective engagement and trust-building with residents through a transparent enumeration process.