Affordable Housing plans spark outrage over loss of stadium land in Nakuru

Anti-riot police officers confront a section of Nakuru residents protesting along Moi Road on June 17, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] A storm of discontent is sweeping through Nakuru as residents, sports stakeholders, and community leaders push back against controversial plans to allocate land set aside for social amenities to affordable housing projects. What was meant to be a noble initiative to address urban housing shortages has now turned into a battle for public spaces. "Affordable housing should not come at the cost of our fields and nurturing talents. We are not against development, but we are against being bulldozed without our voice," said Coach Hassan Hussein. Two hotbeds of controversy are the Afraha Annex grounds in Nakuru East and Ngata Police Station. Residents accuse the political class of attempting to repurpose vital public spaces without proper consultation. Last week, a Facebook post on the county government's official page caused uproar over intentions to convert Afraha Annex-a critical sports training ground-into a site for affordable housing construction. The announcement sparked public outrage, culminating in a peaceful protest on Tuesday afternoon led by sportsmen and women, coaches, and residents. Demonstrators carrying placards chanted slogans and marched from the stadium along Moi Road, only to be blocked by anti-riot police before they could reach the County Government offices. "Afraha has always been used for various important activities, from hosting crusades to sporting events. Building residential homes is betraying the Nakuru residents," said Nakuru Rights Defenders Network's Mwangi Muraya. Politician and sports advocate Victor Ngatia said they are not accepting real estate development in a stadium meant for sports. Sports stakeholders argue that the Afraha Annex is part of the original World Bank-funded Afraha Stadium upgrade plan. The space is specifically earmarked for training pitches and recreational use, including a sitting volleyball court for people living with disabilities. "This plan violates everything we have worked for. We were promised a complete stadium; instead, the county government wants to build houses. It is so sad," said football administrator Robert Maheri. Maheri questioned the motive behind the move, especially after Governor Kihika had assured residents that the Kenya Defence Forces would assist in fast-tracking the stadium's completion. "This is betrayal. Other stadiums like Nyayo and Kasarani have warm-up and training grounds. Why are we being denied the same?" he added. The residents have now petitioned the Nakuru County Assembly to take up the matter. The Nakuru County Government, through County Communication Director Bernard Namunane, called the Facebook post a mistake and assured the public that the stadium land would not be touched. Residents, however, have accused the county of planning a secretive public participation exercise involving selected members of the public to give a false endorsement of the project. In Ngata, Rongai Sub-county, a similar showdown is unfolding. Residents under the Ngata Landowners Association have rejected a proposal to relocate the police station and repurpose its five-acre plot for affordable housing. During a public participation forum on 9 June, residents claimed area MP Paul Chebor is keen to ensure the project sails through. They described a chaotic and intimidating exercise. Samuel Saikwa, a resident of Ngata, accused the area MP of stage-managing the forum by allegedly ferrying goons from outside the area to disrupt the process. Kibet Komen, a politician and resident of Rongai, said the MP's approach has been aggressive, with little regard for the community's security concerns or infrastructure needs."We have poor roads, security gaps and no hospital, yet he is forcing this project on us," said Kibet. Ben Omwandho, another resident, described the public participation forum as a mockery of constitutional values. When contacted by The Standard, Rongai MP Chebor dismissed the allegations, insisting that a majority of Ngata residents supported the affordable housing proposal. "There are only a few people who are opposing this project. The police station will not be relocated. Instead, we are expanding it and I have already secured Sh20 million for that purpose," Chebor said in a phone interview. The residents have now written a formal petition to the MP and the county government, demanding full public consultation and insisting that an alternative site be identified for the housing project.

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