Those who were evicted to make way for Nairobi’s Affordable Housing project in Makongeni estate will be pleased with the development.
Following the announcement by Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, Makongeni residents will receive first priority for employment opportunities in the upcoming projects.
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Hinga told a local TV station that the government has already contacted affected families and implemented clear measures to guarantee they directly benefit from the massive construction projects.
“We have informed every household in Makongeni, and we’re asking them to choose one representative from each.”
The nominated individuals will not simply compete like regular applicants.
“They will secure the initial opportunity to be hired because these contracts are enormous and will necessitate a substantial amount of skilled and unskilled labour,” Hinga stated.
He is positioning the project as a lifeline for housing and employment.
The PS also addressed concerns over housing allocation, especially regarding completed units in Mukuru.
“The completed units we have are located in Mukuru, and we already have an issue to address the systematic eradication of Mukuru slum.”
Hinga commends the housing programme
Hence, we cannot settle Makongeni residents in those houses until the problem in Mukuru has been addressed, he clarified, stressing the need for a structured plan to avoid creating new social tensions.
In addition to housing, Hinga drew attention to a key infrastructure issue affecting the capital.
“Nairobi is struggling with a major sewage issue, due to a lack of investment in its sewer infrastructure over a lengthy period.”
The government has launched significant improvements to address this issue.
“On both sides of the Nairobi River, two mega trunk systems are being constructed, which will future-proof Nairobi for 40 years,” Hinga stated.
Two new treatment plants are currently being built as part of the ongoing construction projects.
Looking forward, the PS confirmed that Makongeni remains a priority area.
“Hinga announced that their plan is to construct 30,000 new housing units in Makongeni, indicating a significant change for the previously densely populated area.”
For former residents of Makongeni still dealing with the anguish of eviction, the prospect of priority employment and new housing provides a fresh sense of optimism.
