Demolitions in Nairobi’s Makongeni Estate entered a new phase this week, with the Makongeni Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, several homes, and commercial structures flattened as part of the government’s Affordable Housing Project under President William Ruto’s administration.
A nearby mosque and multiple residential units were also brought down as earthmovers moved into the area early in the morning, leaving many residents displaced.
The demolitions are part of President Ruto’s broader Affordable Housing Initiative, which aims to redevelop old estates across Nairobi’s Eastlands region.
Government officials say the project seeks to modernize aging neighbourhoods and deliver thousands of affordable housing units to low- and middle-income families.
A dispute over land ownership has also taken centre stage.
According to the State, the land in question belongs to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) and the Kenya Railways Pension Scheme.
Authorities maintain that many of the structures on the land were erected illegally, accusing private developers and brokers of participating in fraudulent land sales spanning several years.
Several key structures were affected in the latest round of demolitions.
These include the incomplete Makongeni SDA Church, which members say was still under construction, as well as a mosque serving the local community.
Dozens of residential houses, small businesses, and temporary shelters were also demolished.
Some residents reported having bought plots from individuals who claimed ownership, while others said they had lived on the land for decades.
The operation has sparked widespread outcry, with displaced families accusing the government of offering little or no compensation and conducting inadequate public participation.
Many criticised what they described as abrupt eviction notices and unclear resettlement plans.
Some residents argued they had previously been assured of priority allocation in the upcoming housing project but claim there has been no formal communication or guarantees.
Government representatives have defended the demolitions, insisting that the structures were illegal and occupied railway reserve land.
Officials argue that the redevelopment is necessary to unlock land for public housing and maintain that qualifying residents will be given priority once the new units are completed.
They also warned that pausing the exercise would delay a project intended to benefit thousands of Nairobi residents.
Tensions escalated further after reports emerged that demolitions continued despite a court order temporarily halting the exercise.
Lawyers representing affected families said the continued operations amounted to contempt of court, while community leaders called for urgent intervention to prevent further destruction.
