NAIROBI, Kenya – Thousands of families in the historic Makongeni estate are being compensated as Nairobi begins one of its largest urban renewal projects in decades.
Under the Eastlands regeneration plan, the century-old Makongeni estate, spanning 139 acres, is being redeveloped to address Nairobi’s growing housing needs.
The estate, owned by the Kenya Railway Pension Fund, had 17,000 units on 3,100 acres—an inefficient land use that prompted the government to intervene.
Through careful planning and community engagement, the government has paid 3,300 of the 3,600 registered tenants, with each household receiving 150,000 shillings to cover relocation costs, including school uniforms and moving expenses.
The remaining payments are being processed due to verification issues and unresolved subtenant cases.
Tenants have also received priority return cards, guaranteeing their place in the new, modern housing once redevelopment is complete.
In addition, each household can nominate a family member for employment on the redevelopment projects, ensuring the local community directly benefits from both homes and jobs.
“Residents who had been paying as little as 1,300 shillings in rent now have support to relocate, and they are assured of returning to improved housing once the project is complete,” said PS Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga.
The @LawSocietyofKe has been made aware of ongoing demolitions in Makongeni Estate, Nairobi. The estate, which is home to 40,000 Kenyans, has been earmarked as a site for the construction of an Affordable Housing Project.We are aware that the residents had been issued with
Faith-based institutions and schools within Makongeni have also been engaged to ensure continuity during redevelopment.
Contractors for the first two of five phases have already been awarded, marking a significant step forward in the Eastlands regeneration programme, which also covers estates like Starehe, Shauri Moyo, and Jogoo Road.
The regeneration project is backed by major infrastructure upgrades, including new sewer and water systems designed to serve Nairobi for the next 40 years.
The initiative aims to deliver not only modern, densified housing but also essential services and economic opportunities for affected communities.
