Makongeni: 15 Facts That Shut Down the Demolition Narrative

Makongeni is the first estate to actualise the Eastlands Urban Renewal Masterplan, a project that represents a shift in how Kenya handles redevelopment.

It’s a structured process with full documentation, and a community-led transition where every voice is heard and no household is left behind.

Government agencies describe the Makongeni process as the most people-centred engagement exercise in the Affordable Housing Programme’s history.

It’s designed to protect residents, safeguard pensioners, and prepare the estate for rebirth as a modern, green, connected community.

Here are 15 facts that reflect the uniqueness of the project:

1. Extensive Consultation

Records show Makongeni has undergone multiple rounds of structured engagement, including barazas, door-to-door visits, enumeration, verification, grievance redress sessions, Relocation Action Plan (RAP) workshops, and consent signing.

Every step was documented, capturing household details, concerns, and agreements.

2. No Forced Evictions

There is no forced evictions. All households that moved did so after:

• Full facilitation
• Verification.
• Signed consent forms.

The redevelopment is designed as a return model, where current residents become priority beneficiaries of the new, safer, greener Makongeni.

3. Land Valuation

The land acquisition followed a professional, regulated valuation process aligned with pension rules to protect the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme.

Comparative data indicates that private developers have paid higher amounts for similar land in the same zone.

4. Beneficiary Eligibility

The RAP follows international relocation standards, which recognise the primary household occupant, not extended family.

Makongeni validated 3,601 rightful households after enumeration, verification, objections, and grievance redress processes.

Paying beyond verified households would violate the agreed criteria and compromise fairness.

5. Relocation Support

A full Relocation Action Plan was co-created with residents, detailing:

• Security deployment.
• Psychosocial support.
• Needs assessment.
• Transport facilitation.
• Temporary shelter centres.

These provisions emerged directly from the RAP workshop, where residents highlighted practical and emotional concerns.

6. Safety Concerns for Women and Children

Security plans specifically prioritised women and children through:

• Deployment of female security officers.
• Increased lighting.
• Patrol of hotspots.
• Activation of GBV hotlines.

Officials describe safety not as a “policy item” but a daily operational commitment.

7. Facilitation Amount

The amount is part of a broader support framework, which includes:

• Logistical assistance.
• School transition help.
• Priority for vulnerable residents.
• Job opportunities within the project.
• On-site safety support.

The model is designed to ensure families move with structure, not struggle.

8. School Disruption

A coordinated school transition plan is in place:

• Transfer letters provided.
• Neighbouring schools confirm placements.
• No student is expected to lose learning time or stability.

9. Impact on Traders and Small Businesses

Traders are receiving:

• Relocation support.
• Business continuity assistance.
• Priority allocation for commercial spaces in the new estate.
• Temporary trading zones to protect daily income.

10. Youth Inclusion

Youth were active contributors to the RAP process and will be engaged in:

• Construction works.
• Waste management and recycling.
• Logistics.
• Community mobilisation.
• Environmental tasks.

The redevelopment doubles as a youth employment programme.

11. PWD Considerations

Persons living with disabilities (PWDs) were identified and prioritised.

Support includes:

• Escorted relocation assistance.
• Special transport.
• Priority for accessible units.
• Built-in features in new blocks such as ramps, rails, wide doors, and enhanced lighting.

Accessibility is being designed, not retrofitted.

12. Elderly Residents

The elderly requested slower movement schedules and emotional support.

They are receiving:

• Staggered relocation timelines.
• Assisted movement.
• Counselling.
• Priority allocation for accessible units.

13. Churches and Schools

Churches, schools, and NGOs are transitioning in phased schedules to retain their community presence and activities.

In the new Makongeni, they will serve as community anchors, with improved facilities and space.

14. Communication

Communication channels include:

• WhatsApp groups.
• Estate posters.
• Barazas.
• Digital content.
• Interpersonal briefings in Swahili and Sheng.
• Verified briefing packs for leaders.

The communication strategy aims to reach people in familiar, accessible formats.

15. “This is just demolitions.”

Makongeni’s redevelopment is not defined by demolition but by renewal.

The new estate will include:

• Modern high-quality housing.
• Green parks.
• schools.
• A hospital.
• Commercial areas.
• Safe walkways.
• Jobs for local residents.

From enumeration to Makao Bora cards, each step is documented because this is not the end of a community – it is the evolution of one.

Makongeni’s transformation is the clearest expression yet of Kenya’s attempt to implement documented, inclusive, people-first urban renewal.