Tensions are rising in Nairobi over the County Government’s Regeneration Housing Project as residents from several estates accuse city officials of sidelining them in critical decisions concerning land ownership and redevelopment plans. The controversy centers around Lumumba, Maringo, and Ofafa Jericho Estates, where local associations claim that the government failed to involve them in public consultations before launching plans to build modern housing units under the regeneration initiative.
During a session with the Senate Roads, Transport and Housing Committee, representatives from the estates alleged that the land ownership issue remains unresolved and questioned the legality of the county entering into joint ventures without their consent. Agesa Omega, speaking on behalf of the Lumumba Residents Association, stated that although the county published an Expression of Interest in January 2021, residents were only invited to a meeting six months later in July, by which time the plans appeared to be already finalized. He insisted that the meeting seemed more like a formality and said residents had not approved the project, which they view as ignoring their historical rights to the property.
Residents have also raised concerns over Governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership, accusing him of being unresponsive and dismissive. Onyango Ogutu, secretary of the Maringo Estate Residents Association, claimed that the regeneration plans had not received approval from the County Assembly and that constitutional requirements for public participation had been ignored. He added that letters written to the Governor seeking engagement had gone unanswered, fueling mistrust among affected communities.
In Woodley Estate, tensions have also flared over uneven compensation and fears of forceful evictions. Sam Gachagua, chairman of the Woodley Residents Welfare Society, told the committee that while some tenants had received Sh900,000 as a relocation allowance, others had received nothing. He stressed the need for Governor Sakaja to meet with residents directly to resolve the looming conflict, arguing that engagement so far had been minimal and unsatisfactory. He also addressed claims that some residents had refused to pay rent, explaining that confusion arose from a 2019 government-issued waiver during former Governor Mike Sonko’s tenure.
Concerns were echoed by residents of California and New Pumwani Estates, where Jackson Muturi Kimani, chairman of the New Pumwani Estate Residents Association, revealed that a two-year feasibility study had recommended that their area be exempt from redevelopment. Despite this, the project is reportedly moving forward in those areas, which Kimani described as a violation of public trust and evidence of bad faith from county officials.
In response, Governor Sakaja dismissed the claims made by resident leaders, asserting that the county is following due process and that any actions taken are within the law. He emphasized that the county, as the legal landlord, has the authority to proceed with redevelopment, provided procedures are followed. Sakaja argued that the regeneration initiative should be seen as an opportunity for partnership and development, not a threat, and accused some leaders of misleading residents for political gain.
As disputes persist and trust between residents and county authorities deteriorates, the future of the Nairobi Regeneration Project remains uncertain.
The Senate committee has pledged to further investigate the grievances raised by residents, signaling that this issue is far from over.
