The Kenyan government has pressed forward with the demolition of Makongeni Estate, a historic residential area in Nairobi, disregarding a court injunction issued to protect its residents. The Environment and Land Court on Monday, November 24, 2025, granted conservatory orders to halt the evictions and the razing of homes, yet bulldozers continued their work under heavy police presence, completing the demolition by Wednesday evening, November 26.

The court's decision, delivered by Justice Charles Mbogo, was in response to a petition filed by the Makongeni Residents Association and other individuals. They argued that the evictions were unlawful, lacked adequate public participation, and violated the residents' constitutional rights. The court order explicitly barred the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, and the Affordable Housing Board from displacing residents or demolishing property pending a full hearing.

Contested Compensation and Displacement

The government maintains that the process was conducted fairly, with the majority of tenants receiving compensation. According to Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, 3,300 out of 3,600 listed tenants have been paid KSh 150,000 each as a relocation facilitation fee. This amount, he stated, was an increase from an initial offer of KSh 30,000 following negotiations, and all 3,600 tenants had signed consent forms.

However, many residents dispute these claims, stating the process was rushed and lacked transparency, with some alleging they have not received any payment. Petitioners argued the compensation is "grossly insufficient" to secure comparable housing in Nairobi and that the three-month eviction notice was unreasonably short. The demolitions have reportedly affected over 40,000 residents, leaving many displaced and facing an uncertain future.

A Historic Estate Replaced

Makongeni Estate, built in the 1940s for railway workers, is one of Nairobi's oldest planned settlements. The land is owned by the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme. The demolition is part of the government's ambitious Affordable Housing Programme, a key pillar of President William Ruto's administration.

The 139-acre site is slated for a major redevelopment project that will include modern high-rise residential units, commercial spaces, schools, health facilities, and recreational areas. The government has stated that the new development will feature a mix of social, affordable, and market-rate housing units. Officials have assured displaced residents that they will be given priority in the allocation of the new homes and that each affected household can nominate one person for employment opportunities during the construction phase.

Legal and Political Fallout

Makadara Member of Parliament, George Aladwa, defended the demolitions, asserting that genuine tenants were compensated and issued cards guaranteeing them bedsitter units in the new project. He suggested that opposition to the project was being sponsored by influential individuals.

Conversely, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had called for a halt to the evictions, citing the contravention of residents' rights and threatening legal action. The court case is scheduled for a hearing on December 4, 2025. The dispute highlights a broader national debate on the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, which has faced criticism over forced evictions, inadequate compensation, and a lack of transparency in other parts of the country.