NAIROBI, Kenya – Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused the government of plotting widespread demolitions in several long-established Nairobi estates later this month to pave way for new affordable housing projects.
Owino said hundreds of households in Makongeni (Makadara constituency), Jericho, Maringo, Bahati, Shauri Moyo, and Kaloleni risk being displaced under the ongoing government plan to expand low-cost housing in the capital.
“These are permanent homes that have served families for generations. The government cannot simply demolish them and expect to compensate residents with only Sh150,000 per house,” he said during a public address.
He dismissed the reported compensation as inadequate and questioned how the amount would sustain families who have lived in the estates for decades.
“How can that support a household of three to five people? Where will the other family members go?” he posed.
Owino also criticised the proposal to move affected residents into affordable housing units, arguing that most of the existing projects — including those in Mukuru — are priced far beyond the reach of low-income earners.
“How will a person earning a few hundred shillings a day ever afford these houses?” he asked, saying the policy overlooked the financial realities of Nairobi’s urban poor.
He urged the State to allocate and register new homes for residents before any demolitions take place.
“If you have built houses at Mukuru, give them to these residents first and provide titles before deciding to relocate them,” he said.
The MP further proposed that the government utilise a 10-acre vacant plot in Makadara to construct new units instead of demolishing long-standing homes.
Owino vowed to support residents in defending their property rights and said he is ready to pursue legal action to halt the planned demolitions.
“You must stand up for your rights. We will go to court if necessary to prevent this act,” he said, calling on community leaders to help safeguard residents’ interests.
He added that the government should focus on pressing national concerns such as high taxation, unemployment, insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
“Kenyans deserve security, jobs, and opportunities to build their own homes,” he said.
