Tribunal halts Lang’ata housing project over environmental concerns

A housing project in Lang’ata under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme has been temporarily stopped by the National Environment Tribunal due to concerns over a flawed environmental assessment.

The tribunal granted interim orders halting construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project, which aims to put up 17-storey blocks with 15,950 units, pending the determination of a petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.

"In the interim, prayer No. 2 (halting the project) of the application is allowed as prayed," the tribunal ruled.

Omtatah claimed the project is being developed on land that was set aside as a transport corridor and noise buffer zone for estates including Southlands, Civil Servants, Uhuru Gardens, Maasai, and White House in Lang’ata Constituency.

He argued that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) allowed the project to proceed without conducting mandatory Environmental and Social Impact Assessments or securing the required approvals.

The senator told the tribunal that the construction should be halted to allow for a fair hearing.

He said no public participation was carried out and that residents only learned of the project when surveyors began work near their homes, encroaching on the buffer zone.

According to Omtatah, the site is part of a 120-metre-wide Trans-African Transport Corridor Road and Rail Reserve, already hosting the Southern Bypass.

He raised concern that no studies had been done to assess the impact the development would have on nearby strategic facilities, including Nairobi National Park, Lang’ata Barracks, and Wilson Airport.

"No studies have been conducted to determine the impact that the 17-storey buildings and the high population the project will generate will have on strategic national facilities across the road—such as the iconic Nairobi National Park (the only urban wildlife park in the world), the Lang’ata Barracks, and Wilson Airport (which requires an unobstructed flight path)," he said.

Omtatah estimated that the project could bring in over 75,000 residents, assuming each unit houses five people, which he said would overwhelm local infrastructure and services.

He warned that residents are already struggling with limited water supply and other essential services.

"Due to the construction of this housing project, residents are facing an imminent existential threat from pollution and congestion, while all Kenyans will suffer from the illegal grabbing of public land reserved for infrastructure," he said.

He also raised alarm over reduced green space, increased pollution, and potential health and safety risks from noise, dust, and vibrations.

Omtatah added that the development would alter the character of the neighbourhood and reduce property values in the area.

"This projected devaluation will result from the influx of affordable, high-density units into a predominantly upscale area. In the short term, the sudden increase in supply may disrupt the existing balance, particularly in a controlled zone traditionally characterised by low-density, high-value properties," he said.

President William Ruto had promised to deliver 250,000 affordable housing units annually, but the target remains unmet.

The tribunal, chaired by Emmanuel Mumia, has certified the case as urgent. A ruling will be delivered on June 9.