Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has raised alarm over what he terms a government plan to demolish several long-standing Nairobi estates to create space for the ongoing Affordable Housing Project. The legislator claims the demolitions, expected later this month, target homes in Makongeni, Jericho, Maringo, Bahati, Shauri Moyo, and Kaloleni neighbourhoods that have housed families for generations.
According to Owino, the planned evictions could displace hundreds of households that have built their lives in these communities. He criticised the alleged compensation plan of Sh150,000 per house, calling it inadequate and insensitive to the realities of affected families.
“These are permanent homes that have served families for generations,” he said. “How can the government demolish them and offer only Sh150,000? How is that enough to support a household of three to five people? Where will the other family members go?”
Owino questioned the feasibility of relocating residents to newly constructed affordable housing units, many of which, such as those in Mukuru, are priced at Sh2 million and above. He argued that the cost is far beyond the reach of low-income earners who survive on minimal daily wages.
“How will someone earning a few hundred shillings a day afford these houses?” he posed, highlighting what he sees as a disconnect between government policy and the lived experiences of Nairobi’s urban poor.
The MP insisted that the government should first allocate and register new houses before tearing down existing homes. He urged authorities to consider alternative solutions, including Kenya Railways’ 10-acre vacant land in Makadara, which he says could accommodate new housing projects without displacing vulnerable residents.
Owino also encouraged residents to defend their property rights, vowing to take legal action if necessary.
“You must stand up for your rights. We will go to court to stop this act,” he said, calling on community leaders to protect their constituents.
He added that pressing national issues such as high taxation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living should take precedence over demolitions.
“Kenyans deserve security, jobs, and opportunities to build their own homes,” he said.
