An explanation has been issued on the clearance of Makongeni Estate, with Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga stating that the exercise is part of a long-term renewal plan for Nairobi’s Eastlands and that most tenants received Sh150,000 to move out.
He said the amount was agreed upon after talks with the residents and represents rent for nine years, which he described as a fair offer for households that had lived in the old blocks.
During a Tv interview on Tuesday night, Hinga said Eastlands spans close to 3,100 acres and was originally set up to hold 17,000 families, a plan he said no longer meets the needs of the city’s rising population.
He added that the regeneration work aims to use the land better, while giving long-time residents the chance to return through the Affordable Housing programme.
Hinga noted that 3,600 tenants were listed for relocation, and out of that number, 3,300 have already been paid through M-Pesa. He said the few pending cases are linked to mismatched personal details and other verification gaps that the ministry is still working to resolve.
He also addressed reports of houses being sublet without the government’s knowledge, which created confusion when compensation began.
“Tenants in Makongeni were paid, but others who have sublet their houses did not inform their subtenants of the same. Legally, we have no obligation to the subtenants but we have agreed they too will be paid the Sh150,000, which is equivalent to nine years’ worth of rent,” he said.
According to Hinga, the ministry reached an understanding with the residents after several discussions.
“We entered into a very engaging conversation with the tenants. I don’t know whether you have ever heard of a situation where a tenant is asked to vacate and then you get paid to leave. Most of the time, the tenants pay the landlord. In this case, we agreed that we are going to pay the tenant to leave."
He said the offer originally stood at Sh30,000 but was increased after the talks, and all 3,600 tenants signed consent papers accepting the agreement.
His remarks come as some families say that leaving the estate has been difficult, especially for those who have lived there for many years. Even so, the government says they will be given first chance to own units once the new buildings are completed.
On Sunday, the estate saw heavy activity as excavators moved in under police escort, pulling down the ageing structures. Some tenants who were still within the five-day notice rushed to collect whatever items they could. A number of households are yet to be paid, even as most blocks have already been emptied after earlier public meetings held since last year.
Makadara MP George Aladwa has backed the clearance, saying the payments were intended to help families move out smoothly.
“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,” he said.
He said the redevelopment, expected to take two years, will include homes, business areas, schools, hospitals and open spaces. Aladwa faulted groups he claimed were mobilising young people to interfere with the demolitions.
“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,” he said.
Makongeni, which sits on 139 hectares under the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme, is among the older estates earmarked for renewal under the Affordable Housing Board. The plan includes new homes, business centres and community facilities aimed at improving the area.
