Residents of Runda Estate in Nairobi staged a peaceful demonstration on Friday to block the construction of Cartier Villas, a contentious luxury housing project they claim is being built on land originally designated for public use.
The protest targeted the development along Andrew Zagoritis Road, which residents say was surrendered to the government for educational and community purposes nearly five decades ago.
Chris Getonga, Chairman of the Runda Residents Association, told protesters that the eight-acre parcel was set aside for public benefit in 1977 when Mae Properties Ltd, the original developer of Runda Estate, handed it over to the government.
"Today, private developers are attempting to convert this public land into a USD 48 million luxury housing scheme with 16 units, each priced between USD 2 million and USD 3.6 million," said Getonga. "This project undermines public interest, threatens the environment, and is rooted in historical irregularities."
At the heart of the dispute is the ecological significance of the site, which sits within the Runda Basin, a natural stormwater retention area that experts say is critical to preventing flooding in the densely populated suburb.
Read More
Residents allege that developers have illegally backfilled the basin with soil to prepare the ground for construction, disrupting natural drainage systems.
According to the protesters, dumping activities at the site in 2024 triggered environmental problems, including flooding, soil erosion, and property damage along Benin Drive and Eliud Mathu Road.
"This development is not only illegal but dangerous. The Runda Basin acts as our natural water retention area; destroying it threatens the entire neighborhood," said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters.
The demonstration drew members of the Runda Residents Association and the broader Karura Ward community, who have accused the developer of environmental degradation, unlawful change of land use, and encroachment on public property.
The protesters are demanding immediate action from three key government agencies: the Nairobi City County Government, the National Environment Management Authority, and the Water Resources Authority.
They want all construction work at the site stopped immediately, a full investigation into the land's ownership and environmental compliance, and the revocation of any irregular approvals granted to the developer.
Karura MCA Fiu Nifiu joined the residents in calling for swift government intervention, framing the issue as part of a broader fight against illegal land acquisition in the capital.
"Restoring this land to its original public use for education and community purposes will set a landmark precedent in defending public interest and ending the cycle of land grabbing in Nairobi," the MCA stated.
This comes as Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo raised concerns about irregular land acquisitions affecting the country's property sector.
Speaking on Friday, October 10, 2025, after attending the Real Estate Stakeholders Association's 3rd Annual Leadership Dinner, Odhiambo warned that unlawful state takeover of private property is becoming a serious threat to an industry that accounts for more than 14 per cent of Kenya's GDP.
She pointed to mounting legal and regulatory hurdles, including unfavorable tax policies and constitutional violations, that are hampering sector growth.
"The real estate sector contributes over 14% of Kenya's GDP, but the sector continues to grapple with legal challenges stemming from unfavorable legislation, including the increase in Capital Gains Tax, and instances of unlawful state acquisition of private land, in contravention of Article 40 of the Constitution," she stated.
-1760175587.jpg)
