Sakaja, MCAs strike deal on tenant reinstatement as Nairobi sets new housing management policy framework

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Members of the County Assembly have reached a landmark agreement that will overhaul how the capital’s public housing estates are managed ending years of chaos, illegal evictions, and tenant disputes.

The resolution follows weeks of deliberations by the Housing Reconciliatory Committee, formed under President William Ruto’s directive to address the rising tensions between the county and estate residents, particularly in Woodley Estate.

A key outcome is the development of a County Housing Estate Management Policy, which will regulate all processes relating to evictions, rent collection, house allocation, and dispute resolution.

Governor Sakaja said the policy aims to prevent a repeat of violent and unlawful evictions witnessed in several estates. “We have agreed that the chaos and mayhem must never again be meted out against Nairobians,” the committee stated.

The committee also resolved that all irregular housing allocations be nullified, and tenants who were evicted despite having paid rent will be reinstated. Evicted residents who can resume regular rent payments will also be allowed back.

Rent collection will now be done monthly to prevent the accumulation of arrears and strengthen the county’s revenue base. “Paying rent is non-negotiable,” the statement emphasized.

In a move toward accountability, all pending bills imposed irregularly by a former housing officer have been scrapped. The previous rent waiver issued during the Mike Sonko administration will continue to apply to all county estate tenants without discrimination.

The reconciliation process also allowed affected tenants to correct errors in their rent records with proof of payment, while 22 Woodley Estate residents who missed compensation after a court case will now receive new allotment letters.

Additionally, tenants whose belongings were seized during evictions will have their items returned. The county has already begun processing two such cases through its revenue office.

The county government will also withdraw an appeal filed against Woodley residents, with both the developer and the county agreeing to drop all cost claims.

Governor Sakaja is expected to restructure the housing department, replacing the current chief officer to ensure a fresh start. MCAs in the committee said they would only support an appointment of a new officer who respects both residents and elected leaders.

Under the new arrangement, tenant purchasers those who had previously bought county houses will surrender their old title deeds in exchange for allotment letters for new apartments. Any money previously paid will be credited as rent, while remaining arrears will be waived due to the time elapsed.

The committee said the decisions mark “a turning point” for Nairobi’s public housing, restoring trust and ensuring that every tenant is treated with fairness and dignity.