Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused the government of preparing to tear down several long-standing Nairobi estates to make room for an affordable housing project, warning that the move could uproot hundreds of families.
Owino said residents in Makongeni, Jericho, Maringo, Bahati, Shauri Moyo, and Kaloleni have been notified that their homes may be cleared, despite many having lived there for generations.
“These are not temporary structures. People have raised families in these homes. You can’t just come and offer someone Sh150,000 and expect that to cover the loss of a lifelong residence,” he said.
He argued that the proposed compensation is not enough to sustain displaced households, questioning where families with three to five members would go after demolition.
The MP also criticised the government’s plan to offer affordable housing units as an alternative, pointing out that many of the new units, including those in Mukuru, cost up to Sh2 million — a figure he says is completely out of reach for low-income Nairobians.
“How is someone who earns a few hundred shillings a day supposed to afford these units?” Owino asked, adding that the policy fails to reflect the daily realities of city residents struggling to get by.
He urged the government to register and allocate new homes to affected residents before demolitions begin.
“If you have already built houses in Mukuru, give them to these families first and issue titles. Then you can talk about relocation,” he said.
Owino also proposed alternatives, suggesting that the state use a nearby 10-acre empty plot in Makadara to construct new housing rather than demolish established communities. He argued that development should not come at the cost of displacing vulnerable people.
The MP encouraged residents to stand firm and protect their rights, saying he is prepared to take legal action to block the demolitions.
“We will not sit back. If we must go to court, we will,” he said, urging local leaders to stand with their communities.
Owino further argued that the government should prioritise tackling unemployment, high taxes, and the rising cost of living instead of pushing demolitions.
“Kenyans need security, jobs, and a fair chance to build their lives,” he said.
