State orders tenants in select Nairobi estates to vacate homes

The government has ordered tenants living in selected Nairobi estates to move out to pave way for the affordable housing project.
Tenants living in Jogoo Road Phase I and II, Jamaa, Mbotela, Ahero and Mawenzi Gardens have 60 days to vacate their houses to pave way for the project.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga (pictured) in a notice said the estates they live in have been earmarked for the Affordable Housing Program which is part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“Pursuant to this, several old estates have been identified for redevelopment to increase rental stock, avail houses for sale to citizens at affordable rates, and create job opportunities for the youth,” reads the notice
As a result, Hinga noted that to pave the way for the redevelopment of the houses, there is a need to vacate all tenants residing in these government estates immediately.

The tenants are required to prepare and surrender the houses they occupy to the director of Estate Management in vacant possession on or before April 30, 2024.

Accorded priority

However, the vacation will only be allowed after the tenants have cleared all the outstanding rent arrears, utility bills and service charges.
Those tenants who would have vacated the six estates will be accorded priority to purchase or rent a house once the redevelopment is complete.

The AHP has been billed as a programme that will solve the country’s housing crisis while providing jobs to about a million people a year.
The housing pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda not only aims to improve the quality of life for people but also serves as an economic stimulus, promoting enterprise growth and job creation.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the government allocated Sh35.2 billion towards the Housing program.
The government has also mobilised resources to support the construction of affordable housing units and social housing units.

As part of the housing budget, Sh3.2 billion will go towards the affordable housing programme.

Inka FM