Old estates in Nairobi to pave way for 100,000 new city houses

NAIROBI: With the proposed development of 100,000 new housing units and renovation of existing homes, Nairobi is set for a major face-lift.

Several regions of the capital have already been identified for the construction of the new houses.

This redevelopment project will ride on the back of a County Comprehensive Urban Renewal Programme (ECURP), Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero says.

“It is in this spirit that we have identified seven quick win projects to serve as pilots to the ECURP. These are Old and New Ngara, Pangani, Jeevanjee/ Bachelors, Ngong Road Inspectorate staff quarters, Uhuru and Suna Road. Approximately 14,000 housing units will be developed in these areas through a joint venture approach,” Kidero told an investor’s forum recently.

The project is designed to bridge the gap between demand and supply for housing in the county, the governor said in a statement.

But it is the county government’s master plan and the prospects of developing 100,000 new homes that is getting Nairobians excited. Kidero pointed out that less than 35,000 new homes are constructed each year in the county, which barely meets the need for 120,000 new homes every year.

“About 100,000 new Kenyans flock to our city in search of employment and opportunity every 12 months. When the total population of Nairobi is expands to 14 million by 2050 and to 27 million by the end of this century, we cannot stand idle while our housing levels turn from overcrowded to crisis,” he added.

AGEING ESTATES

The expected 100,000 new housing units will house approximately 650,000 residents, with the plan to renovate the existing homes currently on existing estates.

Other ageing estates targeted are Bahati, Mbotela, Ziwani, Makongeni, Kaloleni, Jericho and Shauri Moyo, which will be demolished and redeveloped to accommodate more home buyers.

Currently, the county government collects rent from 14,000 housing units — some dilapidated.

“No current residents will need to move from where they live while construction takes place. Current residents will be able to buy or rent a new unit when they are built at a concessionary rate, which will improve their quality of living immeasurably,” said Dr Kidero.

According to the governor, the county government will get into Public-Private-Partnerships (PPS) to fund the project which he said will ensure those with the skills, but too often do not have the opportunity to tender for projects, can participate.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

“We will provide special consideration for Women and Youth-owned companies to apply,” he added.

To complement the construction, the Nairobi County Government will also work on the infrastructure that includes roads, rail and the drainage system.

In the statement, the governor pointed out that the county government is already working with the Ministry of Transport to fast track the opening of the Southern by-pass in six months.

“The roundabouts on Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway will soon be fully signalised with intersections that will unblock a vital artery to our city,” he said.

On the poor drainage system, Dr Kidero said Sh50 million has been set aside as an emergency recovery fund.

“We will use these monies to unblock clogged drainage systems in key parts of the city, as well as repair certain roads that have been damaged by the flooding. Some 10,000 servicemen, supported by 2,000 youths — especially employed to assist — are now starting the process of clearing affected drains,” he said.

The county government also plans to undertake urban regeneration and renewal projects which are in line with its responsibility for urban management.

The projects are aimed at improving levels of service delivery through re-development of existing facilities.