The government has moved to address concerns raised by residents and stakeholders over the ongoing redevelopment of Makongeni Estate, insisting that the transformation is a people-driven process designed to modernise the historic neighbourhood while safeguarding community rights.
In a detailed statement responding to 15 commonly raised issues, officials described Makongeni as the first major realisation of the Eastlands Urban Renewal Masterplan, which aims to reshape aging estates into modern, green, inclusive communities.
Authorities emphasised that the redevelopment is rooted in extensive consultation and documentation, saying every household was engaged from the start.
Responding to claims that residents were not consulted, the government said Makongeni underwent “one of the most structured and people-centred engagement processes” in the history of the Affordable Housing Programme.
Residents were engaged through public barazas, door-to-door visits, enumeration, verification, grievance handling, Relocation Action Plan workshops, and formal consent signing.
“No one was left behind,” the government states.
Not Eviction
On allegations of forced evictions, the government clarified that all households moved voluntarily after receiving full facilitation and signing consent forms.
“This was not an eviction – it was a carefully prepared transition into a dignified future,” officials said, adding that residents will return as priority beneficiaries once construction is completed.
Concerns that the government overpaid for Makongeni land were dismissed, with authorities saying the acquisition followed professional valuation guidelines and pension regulations.
They added that private developers have paid significantly more for similar land in the same area.
Who Qualifies for Facilitation?
Some residents argued they lived with their grandparents and deserved compensation. The government said eligibility followed global relocation standards recognising primary occupants only.
A total of 3,601 verified households were confirmed as rightful beneficiaries.
Support During Relocation
Officials insisted that the relocation was accompanied by a comprehensive support plan co-created with residents.
This included security deployment, psychosocial support, needs assessments, transport coordination and temporary shelter arrangements
“Families did not walk alone,” the governmnt emphasizes.
Safety for Women and Children
The government reported increased patrols, female security officers, lighting upgrades, and activation of GBV hotlines after concerns over safety of women and children were raised.
KSh150,000 facilitation
Authorities noted that the relocation facilitation was only one part of a broader package that included employment opportunities, school assistance, business support for traders, and special consideration for vulnerable households.
School and Business Continuity
To prevent disruption in education, the government provided transfer letters and secured placements in nearby schools.
Traders, meanwhile, received relocation and business continuity support, with priority allocation promised in new commercial spaces.
Youth, PWDs and elderly
The statement highlights targeted interventions for youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly, including construction and environmental jobs for youth, accessible housing features for PWDs and staggered movement and counselling support for elderly households.
Churches, schools and NGOs will relocate in phases to ensure continued services. They will occupy improved, purpose-built facilities in the new Makongeni.
Officials said communication has been ongoing through WhatsApp groups, posters, barazas, community meetings and multilingual briefings to counter misinformation.
Makongeni not a demolition story
The government insists the redevelopment is about renewal, not demolition.
The new Makongeni will feature modern housing, green spaces and playgrounds, commercial areas, schools and health facilities, upgraded infrastructure and thousands of jobs.
“As the President said: ‘Let us hear every voice and leave no one behind,’” the statement reads.
Authorities say the project honours Makongeni’s historical identity while giving residents the chance to return to safer, modern homes in a well-planned urban community.
“This is not the end of a community – it is the transformation of one,” the government concludes.
Read: Government Breaks Ground on Makongeni Mega Redevelopment as Eastlands Renewal Finally Takes Off
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