Gov’t orders 299 families to vacate Nairobi’s Shauri Moyo estate

About 299 families living in government-owned houses in Shauri Moyo area of Nairobi have been asked to surrender their allocation letters to the Ministry of Lands to pave way for the construction of affordable houses.

The construction of the housing project valued at Ksh.18.3 billion has already been awarded a private developer, Hajar Services Limited, who will not only implement the project but has also tasked with the responsibility of resettling the families.

The signing of a deal between Lands Cabinet Secretary Zachary Njeru and the proprietors of Hajar Services Limited, the developer, has set in motion the construction work, which is expected to put up 4,556 housing units over the next three years.

“We’re sure that they’re going to make sure the project is completed in time and done properly as it should be,” said CS Njeru during the signing.

This even as residents at the site sought clarity on dates they were expected out and where they would be resettled.

“Tulikuwa tunaexpect kama miezi nne-tano hizo nyumba ziwe zimekamilikatuondolewe kutoka hii sehemu ingine tuingie kwa zile nyumba mpya. Lakini kufika sasa ukipita kule kwengine utaona ndio bado wanachimba,” said Geoffrey Wafula, a resident.

According to the award document signed by Hajar Limited, the contractor has been tasked with the responsibility of resettling the residents.

So far, they have been directed to surrender their house allocation letters alongside other details.

Once complete, the project that will be constructed on the 15.7 acre piece of land is projected to have 348 studio units to be sold at Ksh.1.1 million; 696 one bedroom units valued at Ksh.1.65 million each; 1,740 two bedroom units to be sold at Ksh.2.2 million each; 1,044 three bedroom units to be sold at Ksh.3.3 million each, and 728 commercial units whose price per unit is yet to be revealed.

The Shauri Moyo B project is also expected to also feature social infrastructure including a social hall, upgrading of the nearby school with additional 16 classrooms, a commercial centre, playground, parking spaces to accommodate 1,672 vehicles and a greenery that will see the planting of 200 trees.

“We plan to do 200 affordable units in every constituency in Kenya under this plan...239 priority sites have been identified,” added CS Njeru.

The ministry further stated that it will be keen to oversight the projects to ensure completion on good time.