The project, covering an initial 10-acre parcel of Woodley Estate, is slated for groundbreaking in December, with construction expected to last 36 months. Governor Sakaja assured that the project’s goal is to accommodate the original tenants and new residents in the expanded housing development.
“Our public participation process ensured transparency, and we provided unprecedented measures like allotment letters,” Sakaja said. “This is about giving back to our people and ensuring Nairobi grows sustainably.”
The Nairobi County Government has staunchly defended the controversial evictions at Woodley Estate, citing a comprehensive relocation and compensation package offered to the affected tenants. The initiative is part of a redevelopment project to construct 1,975 affordable housing units in partnership with M/s Africa Reit Limited.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Woodley Estate Lot 1 tenants, the county committed to providing Sh900,000 in relocation assistance, equivalent to three years’ rent—and allotment letters guaranteeing tenants’ ownership of new homes upon project completion.
“This is the most humane relocation in Kenya’s history,” declared Governor Johnson Sakaja, countering critics’ claims. He emphasized that tenants would receive homes at no cost, converting years of rental payments into a de facto mortgage. “We are not in the business of selling houses; we’re giving our tenants free homes,” he stated.
Despite the county’s assurances, opposition figures, including ODM acting party leader Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, have condemned the evictions. Prof. Nyong’o criticized the process as a violation of Article 43 (1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to adequate housing, and urged the county to act more humanely.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Housing, Lydia Mathia, acknowledged challenges during the process, particularly double and triple compensation claims and disputes involving tenants who sublet their homes. “We compensated those physically residing in the houses,” Mathia clarified, noting that the courts had resolved disputes in the county’s favour, enabling the evictions to proceed.
The project, covering an initial 10-acre parcel of Woodley Estate, is slated for groundbreaking in December, with construction expected to last 36 months. Governor Sakaja assured that the project’s goal is to accommodate the original tenants and new residents in the expanded housing development.
“Our public participation process ensured transparency, and we provided unprecedented measures like allotment letters,” Sakaja said. “This is about giving back to our people and ensuring Nairobi grows sustainably.”
The redevelopment of Woodley Estate underscores the county’s commitment to affordable housing, but it also highlights the complexities of balancing development with social justice concerns.
