Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to tenants living in city council houses who have defaulted on rent payments, stating that the county government will not tolerate continued non-payment. Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Sakaja emphasized the importance of residents fulfilling their obligations to enable the county to deliver essential services.
The governor was firm in his message, declaring, “We will not allow that. It’s either pay rent or face eviction. How can you stay in a rented house for 10 or 15 years without paying rent, and at the same time, you need services?” His remarks reflect a growing frustration within the county leadership over mounting rent arrears, which are said to be crippling the county’s ability to operate effectively.
City council houses, primarily located in areas such as Jericho, Kaloleni, Ziwani, and Kariobangi South, were initially developed as low-cost housing units to support Nairobi’s urban poor. However, many tenants have allegedly gone for years some even decades without paying rent, contributing to a significant loss in county revenue.
Governor Sakaja underscored the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining city services. He noted that revenue collected from rent is essential for improving housing infrastructure, sanitation, and other basic services. “Everyone must play their part. You cannot demand better services from the county if you’re not willing to meet your obligations,” he said.
In addition to cracking down on defaulters, Sakaja also outlined plans to construct more affordable housing units to accommodate the growing population of Nairobi. He stressed the urgency of addressing the city’s housing shortage, noting that rapid urbanization demands strategic planning and increased investment in public housing.
The governor’s warning signals a new era of enforcement and accountability in Nairobi’s public housing sector. While the move may be unpopular with some residents, Sakaja insists it is necessary to ensure fairness and sustain service delivery in the capital. The county government is expected to begin audits and issue eviction notices to defaulters in the coming weeks.
