Six estates in Nairobi are notified by the government to vacate

A notice has been issued by the national government instructing tenants in six Eastland estates, including Jogoo Road Phase I and II, Jamaa, Mbotela, Ahero, and Mawenzi Gardens, to vacate their homes within a minimum of 60 days. Housing PS Charles Hinga clarified that these estates are slated for the Affordable Housing Program as part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

PS Hinga noted that several old estates are identified for redevelopment to boost rental stock, provide affordable houses for sale, and generate job opportunities for the youth. To facilitate redevelopment, all tenants in these government estates must vacate by April 30, 2024.

However, tenants are required to clear any outstanding rent arrears, utility bills, and service charges before vacating. Those complying with the vacation requirement will receive priority for purchasing or renting a house after the redevelopment is complete.

The Affordable Housing Program aims to address the country’s housing crisis by providing jobs to around a million people annually. In the 2023-24 financial year, the government allocated Sh35.2 billion to the program, despite setbacks like the High Court’s declaration of the Housing Levy as illegal on November 28, 2023. The government continues to mobilize resources for the construction of affordable and social housing units, targeting the annual construction of 200,000 affordable housing units and generating between 600,000 and one million jobs. However, the Appellate Court dismissed the application to stay the High Court’s ruling on the 1.5 percent Housing Levy, deeming it illegal.