Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appeared before a Senate committee on Tuesday to explain the county’s controversial plans to redevelop old estates in the city. The Governor has failed to honor previous summons, resulting in a KES 500,000 fine.
Governor Sakaja told the Roads, Transportation and Housing committee he had been abroad on official duties during the missed appearances. “I served 10 years as a chairman of parliamentary committees, so I understand the importance of the Senate in devolution,” he said.
The urban renewal plans have sparked protests from tenants of estates like Jericho, who claim they were promised ownership after 25 years of tenancy. The Governor denied any knowledge of such deals.
“The county government was not privy to any agreement between the Israeli government and Kenya to transfer ownership through a tenant purchase scheme,” he said. “No agreement has been provided.”
Senator Enoch Wambua criticized the Governor’s previous no-shows. “It’s contempt of the Senate. What has happened to former legislators who became county chiefs?” he asked.
Fellow Senator Edwin Sifuna also weighed in. “It’s not fair to say you were traveling when you can’t prioritize the Senate, where you once sat as senator.”
Governor Sakaja outlined the county’s new vision. “We plan to redevelop all estates to provide affordable rental housing and home ownership, in line with national policy,” he said.
The original estates were meant for low-income residents, but now 70% of new units will be low-cost, and 30% mid to high-end, to help fill that housing shortfall, Sakaja explained.
He revealed seven regeneration contracts have been awarded, but land titles for the 4,000 acre estates are still being processed. “We’re not giving away homes, but rents paid will help tenants buy houses,” the Governor clarified.
Senator Sifuna remained skeptical. “All concerns should be addressed before projects launch,” he stated.
Sakaja was given two weeks to provide rent payment records for the estates since the 1980s and 90s.
