More than 200 families have been displaced following the demolition of houses at the Changamwe National Housing Estate in Mombasa to pave the way for the government's Affordable Housing Programme.
The demolitions began early Sunday morning after a heavy police deployment accompanied bulldozers into the estate. Residents claimed the exercise proceeded despite the existence of a court order temporarily halting the evictions, prompting protests and confrontations with security officers.
Affected residents said they had received a one-month eviction notice from the National Housing Corporation but argued that the court injunction should have suspended the demolitions until the case was heard and determined. Some also alleged that police used tear gas and force to disperse those resisting the eviction. Community leaders further claimed that some households had been offered between KSh4,000 and KSh10,000 as relocation assistance, describing the amount as inadequate.
The demolitions are part of the government's plan to redevelop the ageing Changamwe estate into a modern affordable housing project. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has previously acknowledged that the Affordable Housing Programme is facing numerous court cases, many involving land ownership disputes, public participation concerns and compensation claims.
The demolitions began early Sunday morning after a heavy police deployment accompanied bulldozers into the estate. Residents claimed the exercise proceeded despite the existence of a court order temporarily halting the evictions, prompting protests and confrontations with security officers.
Affected residents said they had received a one-month eviction notice from the National Housing Corporation but argued that the court injunction should have suspended the demolitions until the case was heard and determined. Some also alleged that police used tear gas and force to disperse those resisting the eviction. Community leaders further claimed that some households had been offered between KSh4,000 and KSh10,000 as relocation assistance, describing the amount as inadequate.
The demolitions are part of the government's plan to redevelop the ageing Changamwe estate into a modern affordable housing project. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has previously acknowledged that the Affordable Housing Programme is facing numerous court cases, many involving land ownership disputes, public participation concerns and compensation claims.
The latest evictions have sparked criticism from local leaders and residents, who accused authorities of disregarding court orders and failing to provide adequate resettlement measures. They are calling on the government to suspend the exercise and engage affected families in finding a lawful and humane solution as legal proceedings continue.
