Sonko rubbishes claims of holding title deeds for affordable housing projects

The National Bank of Kenya reportedly possesses the title deeds for the Jeevanjee and Pangani affordable housing projects as part of a Ksh.1.9 billion loan facility.

This is according to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who accused the current Nairobi administration, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, and the Nairobi County Assembly of misleading the public on the matter.

Sonko, addressing the press from his Upperhill office on Thursday, likewise dismissed recent claims suggesting that he personally holds the title deed for the Jeevanjee project.

He presented documents indicating that the County Government and the project's private investor had charged the property to secure the multi-billion shilling loan.

This comes after Nairobi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Built Environment and Urban Planning recently told the County Assembly’s Planning and Housing Committee that the title deed was still with Sonko.

The committee, chaired by Kitisuru MCA Alvin Palapala, even considered summoning the former Governor for clarification.

However, Sonko described this as a diversionary tactic, asserting that senior county officials are signatories to the loan agreement.

He shared documents with the media, including a letter dated April 18, 2020, from then-Acting County Secretary Patrick Analo, requesting the assembly’s approval to deposit the title deed for the Pangani Estate Urban Renewal Project.

Sonko also highlighted a letter from the National Bank, dated January 1, 2023, confirming the disbursement of Ksh.1.9 billion to the project’s private developer.

The bank approved the loan after the property had been charged, implying that the County Assembly’s approval occurred after the funds were already secured.

“The title was taken to the bank through the registration of the Nairobi Jeevanjee Estate Company Limited, a special purpose vehicle, to secure financing,” Sonko explained.

Further, the ex-county boss warned of potential plans to exploit the original tenants, suggesting that there may be a scheme to hand over the project to cartels.

“This is all propaganda aimed at confusing the public. Governor Sakaja should focus on completing the projects without unnecessary drama,” Sonko stated.

Sonko went ahead to alleged that during his term, he compensated 48 homeowners at Old Pangani Estate with Ksh.28.8 million, paving the way for the construction of 1,500 affordable housing units.

He said each tenant received Ksh.600,000 to facilitate their relocation, with the understanding that they would receive priority upon the project’s completion.

Sonko clarified that the provisional certificate for the land was issued on July 2, 2016, before it was transferred from the colonial land registry to the Nairobi County Government on July 1, 2018, under a 99-year lease.

He urged Governor Sakaja and the County Assembly to verify this information with the Ministry of Lands.

“If they delay, they will only create more confusion. The transfer of the lease was finalized on July 24, 2019, and witnessed by key officials, including the County Secretary and directors of Nairobi Jeevanjee Estate Limited,” said Sonko.