Mukuru residents up in arms over 'sold out' Affordable Housing units

A section of Mukuru residents claiming to have paid for Affordable Housing Programme units address the Press in Nairobi on August 27, 2026. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Uproar has greeted the affordable housing programme in Mukuru slums in Nairobi after some of buyers were informed that the units that had been paying had been sold out.

On Thursday, residents of Mukuru whose homes were demolished to pave way for the Affordable Housing Programme have raised concerns over delays in allocation of houses, alleged irregularities and conflicting messages from the Boma Yangu platform.

The residents, who gathered at the DCC’s office in Embakasi South, said they had been assured they would be prioritised in the allocation of the houses after being displaced from their homes but months later, many were still waiting for their keys.

They also questioned how some applicants who had paid deposits of up to five per cent of the house price were later informed through text messages that the units were “sold out”.

Elias Wanjala, a resident of Riara in Mukuru kwa Ruben, said he applied for a house in July last year and was issued an offer letter before President William Ruto launched the project. He said residents who were affected by the demolitions were promised that they would receive their houses within 90 days.

“90 days have already elapsed and the year is almost ending, meaning it's almost a year since the promise and we do not have the keys yet,'' Wanjala said. 

He said some residents who had paid the required five per cent deposit were later surprised to receive messages informing them that the houses had been sold out.

“We want to know how the house can be sold when they had told us to pay five per cent and we had already paid,” he said.

The residents questioned who had bought the units and why people who had already made payments were being denied houses.

Isaiah Chris, a Mukuru kwa Njenga resident, alleged that brokers had infiltrated the allocation process and were buying houses intended for them.

“We want this thing to be transparent and honest. We want it done in daylight, not robbery,” Chris said, urging the President to intervene.

Chris also said some residents had borrowed money and invested their savings in the hope of securing houses under the program, questioning whether those buying multiple units were genuinely residents of informal settlements or outsiders taking advantage of the program.

Pastor Margaret said she had paid Sh80,000, Sh32,000 and Sh36,000 in instalments towards a house but recently received a message indicating that the house was sold out, adding that residents who  had borrowed money to make the payments are now facing pressure from lenders.

“I am asking, who bought the house I had already bought? Why should I just receive an SMS saying ''sold out'' without being told who bought it?” she said.

''Dear....thank you for your interest in owning a home through Boma Yangu. Your prefered unit is sold out. Your application shall be cancelled to allow you to apply for other available units or apply in another project,'' read the messages received by the residents.

The residents raised concerns  that the alternative houses being offered to them are of higher prices compared to the initial prices they were to pay for the units they are told is sold out.

Another resident, Habiba Adam, said she had paid Sh67,400 for a one bedroom house and had kept the receipt for months while waiting for communication on when she would move in. She said repeated visits to seek clarification had only resulted in assurances that she should wait for a message.

Roslyn Alyaka, a resident, said families affected by the demolitions had been moved elsewhere while waiting for the second phase of the affordable houses. She also said some displaced families are now living in difficult conditions and feared further hardship with the onset of the rainy season.

“Children are suffering and many people whose houses were demolished have nowhere to go. We are asking to be given the houses we were promised,” she said.

Veronica Mwaniki, a resident, called for an investigation into the allocation process, particularly on the allegations that brokers were interfering with the program.

The residents want the Government to explain the criteria being used to allocate the houses, identify those who have been allocated the disputed units and account for deposits already paid by applicants.

They also want authorities to address the conflicting messages being sent to applicants and clarify why some beneficiaries are being asked to make further payments before occupying houses.

Marble, another resident whose home was demolished, said she had an offer letter but continued receiving messages demanding payment of about Sh20,000 despite never moving into the house.

“I keep receiving messages to pay for a house I have never entered. I am still living in the village after our houses were demolished,” she said.

The residents said they would continue pressing authorities for answers until those affected by the demolitions are allocated the houses they were promised.

The failure of the Boma yangu board to attend the planned meeting at the Imara Chief’s Office has further frustrated the affected residents, who say they had gathered expecting answers on the status of their applications, their deposits and the allocation of the units.

Residents are also demanding an explanation for the “sold out” messages and allegations that brokers and wealthier individuals may be interfering with the allocation process.

Their main demand is that those displaced from Mukuru and identified as beneficiaries should be given priority and that the allocation process should be transparent and accountable.

They say they made financial commitments, paid deposits and surrendered their homes on the understanding that they would eventually return to secure housing. They now want the board and relevant authorities to explain what happened to their allocated units and why the promised meeting did not take place.