Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has revealed that Makongeni Tenants were paid Ksh150,000 before demolitions to pave the way for the Affordable Housing project.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 25, PS Hinga said that of the 3,600 tenants in Makongeni, 3,300 have already been paid via M-Pesa.
The Housing PS also noted that in some instances, tenants were paid but did not inform their subtenants.
However, he said the subtenants will also be compensated Ksh150,000 to relocate from the houses.
“Tenants in Makongeni were paid, but others sublet and were paid, but did not inform the subtenants to leave. Legally, we have no obligation to the subtenants, but they are human beings, and this process has to have a human face, and we have agreed that they are going to be paid the same Ksh150,000,” said Hinga.
Read More
He also said the Makongeni tenants were given a card which will be a ticket to be given first priority once the construction of the affordable Houses is complete.
“That card is a ticket for that tenant to come back once we finish the construction, and they have the first right to get back as homeowners,” Hinga stated.
At the same time, PS Hinga said that the Makongeni affordable housing project is part of the broader Nairobi Eastlands Regeneration Plan.
The Housing PS explained that the original Eastlands plan was designed for only 17,000 housing units sitting on 3,100 acres.
Hinga noted that the Nairobi population has increased immensely, hence the need to utilise the land well.
“What you find in the original Eastlands master plan was designed for 17,000 households. 17,000 housing units occupied 3100 acres. This is a city where you are talking of a major population explosion, and of course, the land does not expand.
“When we undertook this master plan, we wanted to see how we could come up with urban renewal and regeneration because 17,000 housing units sitting on 31,00 is poor usage of space. Nairobi is not expanding, but more people are coming,” he added.
This comes days after the high court issued a conservatory order stopping evictions and demolitions in the Makongeni Estate.
Justice Charles Mbogo issued the orders on Monday, November 24, following a petition filed by the Makongeni Residents Association.
The association argued that Makongeni demolitions were being carried out unlawfully.
“That the application will be heard interpartes together with the application dated November 19, and in the meantime, I hereby proceed to grant prayers 2, 3, and 4 of the application dated November 23,” Justice Mbogo stated.
