Kenya Housing Policy increases Homelessness

Demolitions for an affordable housing project in Nairobi have displaced thousands of residents, with some living in makeshift shelters while the government continues its redevelopment plan. The demolitions, which began in late 2025, target old estates to make way for high-density blocks.

In the Makongeni Estate, a dispute between residents and authorities escalated after the government ignored a court order halting the evictions. The demolition was completed in November 2025. Several residents disputed claims that they had been compensated, saying the process was rushed and lacked transparency.

Resident Peter Shiundu, 40, who previously lived in the estate, now lives in a temporary shack made of corrugated iron sheets. He depends on irregular work and was among those displaced without an alternative housing arrangement.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said that the government would not relocate former residents into the new units because the homes are for sale. He also said the government is simultaneously working on a separate redevelopment project in the Mukuru slum.

Residents who had been displaced protested at the demolition site, with the Makongeni Residents Association accusing the government of failing to pay a promised 150,000 Kenyan shillings in compensation to a majority of the evicted households. The government maintains that qualifying residents will be given priority once the new units are completed.

SOURCE: AP