Ksh6B Luxury Villas vs the People: Runda Residents Protest to Protect Public Land

A storm is brewing in Nairobi’s most exclusive suburb, and this time, it’s not just over money, but principles.

In a bold and peaceful stand, outraged residents of Runda have taken to the streets under the banner #SaveRundaBasin, protesting what they call a shocking land grab and environmental threat at the heart of their neighborhood. At the center of the controversy is a proposed $48 million (Ksh6.2 billion) ultra-luxury estate — Cartier Villas by Nanchong — being built on land they say was meant for schools and community spaces.

“Today, private developers are attempting to convert this public land into a USD 48 million luxury housing scheme with 16 units, each priced between USD 2 million and USD 3.6 million,” said Chris Getonga, Chairman of the Runda Residents Association. “This project undermines public interest, threatens the environment, and is rooted in historical irregularities.”

The land in question,  eight acres on Land Reference No. 7785/1303 along Andrew Zagoritis Road, was, according to Getonga, surrendered to the government in 1977 by Mae Properties Ltd, the original developers of Runda Estate, for educational and public use.

Fast forward to 2024, and residents are now facing the disturbing reality of bulldozers and soil dumping, allegedly to backfill part of the Runda Basin — a natural stormwater retention zone critical to the neighborhood’s drainage system.

The consequences are already being felt. Residents report flooding, blocked drainage systems, and soil erosion, all traced back to what they claim is the illegal backfilling of the basin.

“This development is not only illegal but dangerous. The Runda Basin acts as our natural water retention area — destroying it threatens the entire neighborhood,” said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters.

The demonstration, organized by the Runda Residents Association and members of the Karura Ward community, has sparked city-wide concern and increased pressure on regulatory bodies. Protesters are accusing the developer of environmental degradation, unlawful change of land use, and encroachment on public land.

They are calling on the Nairobi City County Government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to immediately halt all ongoing works at the site, nvestigate the land’s ownership and environmental compliance; and revoke any irregular approvals issued to the developer.

Karura MCA Fiu Nifiu also weighed in on the issue, urging authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

“Restoring this land to its original public use for education and community purposes will set a landmark precedent in defending public interest and ending the cycle of land grabbing in Nairobi,” said Nifiu.

As Nairobi grapples with climate risks, flash floods, and vanishing public spaces, this battle over the Runda Basin has ignited a larger debate: who really owns public land — the people or powerful private interests?

Residents have vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations until the land is protected, and environmental justice is upheld.

Read: Makini Schools Acquires Regis Runda Academy

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