Court Halts Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang'ata Week After Jalang'o Led Protests

The Environment and Land Court has halted construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang’ata, a week after protests erupted.

The ruling on Friday, December 19, came after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah filed a petition challenging the construction, arguing that it violated the Constitution.

Infrastructure strain had been a central issue in the opposition. Residents argue that the projected influx of approximately 70,000 new residents would overwhelm existing water, drainage, sewerage, and road systems.

Current challenges include piped water available only once a week for some households and inadequate drainage, which is unable to handle high-density development.

Property owners in the vicinity also raised concerns about the potential devaluation of 5–15% and privacy intrusions from the 17–19 floor buildings.

Some residents also feared displacement and that the ultimate beneficiaries might be outsiders or individuals with political connections.

Last week, Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Jalang’o led protests against the project, raising concerns over therelocation procedures and compensation.

Residents marched to Ardhi House along Ngong Road, carrying placards and whistles, where officials from the Ministry of Housing received their petition.

Following their demonstrations, ministry officials agreed to suspend the planned evictions until proper public participation has been conducted and residents’ concerns have been addressed.

The decision temporarily halted relocation and demolition activities associated with the project.

The Southlands Affordable Housing Project was a major government initiative aimed at providing 15,960 residential units across 60 high-rise blocks, comprising social housing,affordable housing, and market-rate affordable units.

Planned amenities included a primary school, community centers, retail shops, pedestrian walkways, landscaped gardens, and modern water and waste management infrastructure.

Despite its objectives, the project had faced sustained legal challenges and public opposition, similar to earlier cases in Makongeni Estate, where court orders temporarily halted evictions and demolitions amid concerns over compensation and public participation.