Demolition of estates gets Cabinet approval

The Cabinet on Thursday cleared the way for the demolition of old council houses to pave the way for the construction of low-cost modern units.

The ministers in a meeting chaired by President Kibaki approved the ‘re-development’ of the old local authority estates in a move expected to provide more affordable housing units for sale and rental in various cities and towns.

In a sorry state

“This will however be done while safeguarding the rights of existing tenants,” read a dispatch from the Presidential Press Service.

Cabinet further approved the development of multi-storey parking facilities, a move expected to ease parking pressure and congestion not only in Nairobi but also other parts of the country.

They also resolved to improve the manner in which solid waste is managed in the country as this will create opportunities for employment and energy generation.

“This will be done partnership between the central government, local authorities, and the private under public private partnerships,” read the statement.

Most of the old council estate houses are in a sorry state. Built in the colonial era, they are in dire need of repairs, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, rotting wooden doors and windows, most with no panes.

Occupants don’t remember the last time the houses were painted. Garbage collection is almost non-existent, and roads leading to the estates resemble cow paths.

In Nairobi, at least 25 estates have been earmarked for demolition, according to Town Clerk Philip Kisia. Mr Kisia said they would demolish the houses and build high-rise apartments, complete with schools and shopping centres.

Mr Kisia said the upgrading would increase the number of families living in council units from 15,000 to 300,000. Estates likely to be affected include Shauri Moyo, Bahati, Mbotela, Ziwani, Makongeni and Jericho.

In Mombasa the estates likely to be affected are Buxton, Changamwe and parts of Tudor.