South B Residents Protest Planned Evictions for Affordable Housing Project

Residents of Marigoini estate in Nairobi’s South B are protesting planned evictions tied to the government’s Affordable Housing programme, citing concerns over compensation, transparency, and the relocation process.

The government has offered affected households a facilitation payment of Ksh30,000 to vacate the estate. Residents argue that the amount is insufficient to cover moving costs and does not take into account the disruption to family life, work, and community networks. Many say the payment fails to address the uncertainty surrounding their resettlement.

Some residents have also raised concerns about how the payments are being handled. They allege that compensation has been issued inconsistently, with claims that certain individuals received money late at night without clear communication or explanation. These claims have added to mistrust around the process.

Criticism has also been directed at South B MCA Waithera Chege, with residents accusing her of failing to engage directly with those affected. Several community members said they expected in-person consultations rather than updates delivered through social media platforms.

Chege has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed claims of poor management. She said the protests were being led by people who are not legitimate residents of Marigoini estate. According to her, the Ksh30,000 facilitation fee was agreed upon during public participation meetings, where residents asked for assistance specifically to cover transport costs during relocation.

She stated that more than 4,000 households have already been registered to receive the payment, and that disbursements are ongoing for those still being processed. Chege also presented identification cards issued to residents in December 2011, saying they demonstrate that the relocation exercise is being carried out using an established and verified system.

The dispute reflects wider challenges facing the Affordable Housing programme, which aims to expand access to housing in urban areas. Similar projects have previously faced resistance from communities concerned about displacement and the adequacy of compensation.

In Marigoini, residents say clearer communication and transparent handling of payments are necessary to address tensions as the eviction process continues.