City Hall faces revolt as rent arrears, land disputes stall redevelopment plans

Nairobi’s City Hall is moving forward with its plan to evict tenants who have accumulated significant rent arrears, some stretching over 13 years, as part of an ongoing effort to redevelop old estates across the city.

The decision comes amid escalating tension between the county government and tenants of various public housing estates, some of which have been slated for major redevelopment.

Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration has confirmed its intention to evict tenants who have failed to meet their rent obligations, despite the fact that some of these tenants have been living in these estates for many years.

The City Hall move affects several estates, with Woodley Estate being one of the worst hit.

According to documents seen by local media, 118 tenants at the estate owe the government a total of Sh39.63 million in unpaid rent, with individual arrears ranging from Sh1 million to Sh1.8 million.

The tenants, who occupy properties in prime areas, have not paid rent for periods ranging from six to 13 years. Monthly rents at the estate range from Sh11,000 to Sh17,600.

Governor Sakaja, during his appearance before the Senate Roads and Housing Committee, emphasized that the county government could no longer tolerate such long-standing defaults.

"For everyone in our county houses who is not paying rent, you will be evicted. These houses don’t belong to me. They belong to the people of Nairobi," he stated firmly.

The Governor expressed his frustration over what he described as widespread rent defaults, highlighting that many tenants were still paying below-market rates yet failing to meet their obligations.

Despite repeated warnings and notices, these tenants continue to accumulate rent arrears, prompting the county government to take a more aggressive stance.

Sakaja pointed out that the county government has been lenient in comparison to other areas, where tenants are often locked out of their houses for failing to pay rent.

He also noted the discrepancy between what tenants were paying in rent and the market rates for similar properties in the area, which could be as high as Sh150,000 per month.

Residents, however, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the process, particularly concerning the lack of adequate public participation in the redevelopment projects.

Tenants in several estates, including Lumumba, Maringo, and Ofafa Jericho, have raised concerns about the failure of the county government to properly engage with them before announcing these sweeping plans.

They allege that the county government had not clearly established the ownership of the land, further complicating the situation.

The residents' associations claim that the redevelopment projects were not adequately approved by the Nairobi County Assembly and that public participation has been minimal, with several meetings occurring only after major decisions were already made.

"This redevelopment was announced without proper consultation," said Onyango Ogutu, Secretary of the Maringo Estate Residents Association.

"We have not been given the opportunity to be a part of these crucial decisions, and it feels like we are being sidelined."

A particularly contentious issue is the lack of clarity over land ownership in estates like Woodley.

Some residents believe they were allowed to purchase their homes under previous government agreements, but these arrangements have been complicated by a court ruling that nullified any land titles issued for residents of the estate.

The High Court's decision further deepened residents' frustrations, with some questioning the legitimacy of the county government's claims and its readiness to push through eviction notices.

Residents have also accused the county of unfairly compensating only some individuals for relocation, while others have been left without any assistance, despite being promised support.

The discrepancies in how residents have been treated are fueling further animosity, as they demand that the county government honor its agreements and ensure fair compensation and relocation processes.

Woodley Residents Welfare Society Chairman, Sam Gachagua, expressed concern over the imminent evictions, saying that proper engagement with tenants is crucial before moving forward.

"The threat of eviction without proper dialogue is not right," Gachagua stated.

"We need to meet with the governor and his officers to discuss the looming evictions and the way forward."

Despite these grievances, Governor Sakaja has made it clear that the redevelopment of Nairobi’s estates will proceed as planned, regardless of the opposition from some residents and their associations.

"What we are doing is an offer. You should partner with us. The goodwill being given by the county government must be responded to in equal measure," he said during his testimony before the Senate committee.

The county government’s stance appears to be one of resolute action against rent defaulters and continued urban regeneration.

However, as tensions rise between the government and tenants, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved.