Sakaja vows transparency in Nairobi housing projects, urges dialogue

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has assured the Senate Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee that the county government will strictly follow legal procedures in its urban renewal projects.

Governor Sakaja said the county will conduct thorough public participation, issue allotment letters, and compensate residents where necessary to facilitate the construction of modern housing units that can accommodate more people.

Citing the redevelopment of Woodley Estate as a model, Sakaja noted that 1,975 new units are replacing the original 43 units.

He stressed that each tenant was compensated with Sh900,000 to secure temporary housing and was issued an allotment letter to guarantee their return once the project is complete.

“In Woodley, we are transforming 43 units into 1,975 modern units. Each tenant was compensated and given an allotment letter to ensure a fair and transparent process,” Sakaja said.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committees on Roads, Transportation, and Housing urged residents of 13 Nairobi estates earmarked for renewal to engage constructively with the county government.

Speaking Monday, Committee Chairperson Eddy Oketch called on estate chairpersons to prioritise dialogue among residents, the Nairobi County Government, the National Land Commission, and the Senate Committees to address concerns and foster trust.

“There is a need for residents to collaborate with the county. While some mistrust persists from past administrations like the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the current leadership offers a better opportunity for positive change,” Oketch said.

The push for dialogue follows concerns raised by a representative from Lumumba Estate regarding delays in completing renewal projects.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna echoed the call for cooperation, encouraging residents to actively participate in the process.

“As the Senator of Nairobi, I urge residents to engage openly. Let the county proceed within the law, and let residents participate in good faith. We are committed to ensuring a win-win outcome for all,” Sifuna assured.

The representative of the estates raised several issues that they wanted the committee to address, including public participation, the allocation of houses, and compensation.

However, the committee vowed to facilitate the parties in reaching a conclusive resolution.