Confusion has resurfaced within the Nairobi County Government as it emerges that City Hall does not have title deeds for two crucial pieces of land earmarked for affordable housing developments. This revelation came to light during a session of the Nairobi City County Assembly’s Planning Committee, where members learned that the county lacks title deeds for land designated for these essential housing projects.
The meeting, chaired by Kitisuru Ward Representative Alvin Olando Palapala, featured a disclosure from the Built Environment and Urban Planning County Executive Committee Member, Patrick Mbogo. He revealed that former Governor Mike Sonko is still in possession of the title deed for Jevanjee Estate. According to Mbogo, the deed was entrusted to Sonko in 2018 but has yet to be returned following his impeachment.
“The certificate of title for Jevanjee Estate was registered in the name of Nairobi City County on August 9, 2018. Later that year, it was taken by former Governor Mike Sonko and has never been returned,” Mbogo told the committee.
The absence of these critical documents has sparked concern among committee members, who worry about the security of county property and the potential fallout for investors. Majority Leader Peter Imwatok and Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu called for Sonko to be summoned to explain why he still holds the Jevanjee title deed.
“We must pursue Sonko with all the efforts possible. He has to appear before this committee and the chief valuer,” they asserted.
Compounding the issue is that the title deed for Pangani Estate, where hundreds of residents already occupy completed homes, is also missing. Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration has been tasked with locating the Pangani title deed and addressing delays in the housing projects, despite the availability of allocated funding.
“These people took money from residents who bought the houses, and time has lapsed. Yet, they have not completed the project,” noted Palapala, reflecting the frustration of the affected community.
Kiragu went further, condemning the mismanagement of county funds, accusing those responsible of theft, and promising that the assembly would not tolerate further financial misconduct.
“The officers responsible are unsure about the situation. This is pure theft, and we are putting them on notice. As the assembly, we will not be complicit in their thieving ways,” Kiragu warned.
The county’s Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have made it clear they will not approve new affordable housing projects until the issues surrounding the missing title deeds are resolved.
The Pangani title deed was requested in August 2022, yet its current whereabouts remain unknown. So far, only 160 of the planned 1,562 units in Pangani have been completed. The county promises to complete the project by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the Jevanjee Estate project, which is expected to include 1,830 housing units, also remains incomplete.
In addition to Pangani and Jevanjee, Nairobi County plans to build affordable housing in Bahati Estate, Maringo, Jericho, Lumumba, Ziwani, Bondeni, Kariobangi North, Embakasi, and Woodley, with thousands of units slated for construction. However, the success of these projects remains uncertain without the necessary title deeds in place.
