A cloud of uncertainty now hangs over Makongeni, Nairobi, as residents prepare to leave the estate within days to make way for an affordable housing redevelopment.
The short notice has forced many families into last-minute decisions, with some already on the move while others struggle to understand what the next phase of their lives will look like.
Since receiving eviction notices, activity in the estate has grown tense. Groups of residents can be seen clearing their compounds, negotiating transport and trying to secure places to relocate.
A number of families say they have accepted that the demolition will go on as planned.
“Serikali imeamua na sisi hatuna nguvu tutahama tu,” said Elizabeth Musyoka. (Translation: The State has made its decision; we have no choice but to move.)
“Kuhama ni challenge tumeshtukiwa tunahama tu,” added Sabina Kemuma. (Translation: Moving is a challenge; we were caught unawares by this decision.)
The government says it has processed compensation for more than 3,000 people, each receiving Sh150,000 to facilitate their move. But several residents argue that the amount cannot cover the costs of finding new housing and rebuilding their routines.
“Nimekaa hapa tangu 2005 mpaka siku ya leo… serikali imesema hatutaachwa hivo tutalipwa… walisema ukipata hiyo 150 uanze kuhama,” said Marion Takaa.
(Translation: I've lived here since 2005. The government has stated that it won't leave us; It said that once you get that Sh150,000, you need to leave.)
For parents, the pressure is even higher as they try to secure new school placements for their children. Many say there has been little guidance on how learners will transition once they leave the estate.
“Ni vizuri wametupatia hiyo pesa lakini huko nje maisha ni magumu,” said Elizabeth Musyoka. (Translation: It's great to receive the money, but life out there is tough.)
“Hatujapata ata barua kutoka shule,” she added. (Translation: We've not received any letter from the school.)
“Kwasasa hii niko na watoto wako secondary wenye wako primary… siku tumepewa kidogo ata haiwezi nitosha nifike Kisii,” said Sabina Kemuma.
(Translation: I have kids in Primary and Secondary schools. The notice given is not even enough to move to Kisii.)
As more households pile their belongings onto lorries and pick-ups, frustrations are also growing among those who insist that they have yet to receive any money. Some say their landlords were compensated and left them without support, complicating their move.
“Niko na challenge kubwa kwa sababu ni mwenye nyumba alipata pesa mimi nimekodisha sasa nitahama aje,” said Brenda Kerubo.
(Translation: I have a huge challenge because the owner house got the compensation. I am only a tenant. How will I move out?)
“Nimepata notice na sijapata pesa,” said Morris Okuyi. (Translation: I've gotten the notice to vacate, and I've not received compensation yet)
Officials handling the process say about 100 households are still pending due to mismatched personal details and incomplete verification.
They say payouts will be made once the errors are corrected and maintain that no eligible resident will be left out.
Despite assurances that former occupants will have first priority in the new housing project, many long-time residents say leaving Makongeni after decades is a painful step.
With the December 2 deadline fast approaching, families continue packing, hoping the transition will be smoother than the uncertainty now surrounding them.
