Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially launched the construction of 1,900 modern housing units in Woodley Estate as part of the county’s ambitious urban renewal initiative. The project, dubbed "300 Woodley Estate," aims to revitalize the area by replacing 43 outdated units with a massive expansion of affordable homes.
During a ceremony held at City Hall, Governor Sakaja announced that 43 Woodley residents who had agreed to vacate their homes would each receive Sh900,000 in compensation. The move comes as part of the relocation agreement, which will allow the construction to proceed on a 10-acre plot within the 100-acre estate.
First-of-Its-Kind Compensation
"This is the first time a government has compensated tenants with such a significant amount to help with relocation while they wait for the completion of the project," Sakaja remarked during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday.
The project, which promises to transform the Woodley area, is a centerpiece of Sakaja's urbanization program aimed at revitalizing Nairobi’s aging estates. In addition to the monetary compensation, tenants received allotment letters guaranteeing them priority in securing new homes once the construction of the 1,900 units is complete.
The county government also issued official vacation orders, ensuring that the relocation process adheres to legal requirements and enabling construction to begin without delays.
A New Era for Woodley
The "300 Woodley Estate" project is expected to enhance living conditions significantly while addressing Nairobi's growing housing demands. Governor Sakaja emphasized that this redevelopment would serve as a model for future urban renewal projects across the city, including in areas like Bondeni, Lumumba, and Kariobangi.
"I urge my team to give this project the seriousness it deserves so it can serve as a blueprint for other developments we are planning in Nairobi," Sakaja said, underscoring the importance of the project to the city’s future.
Patrick Mbogo, the County Executive Committee (CEC) for Urban and Housing Renewal, expressed the county’s dedication to delivering modern and improved homes for Nairobi residents. "We are committed to providing better, modern homes for our people," Mbogo stated.
Lydia Maitha, Chief Officer for Urban and Housing Renewal, added that the compensation process and vacation notices were critical steps in realizing the county's broader housing goals. "The compensation ensures that our residents are supported during the transition, and we are taking every step to see this project completed efficiently," Maitha explained.
Residents Welcome the Change
Long-time residents of Woodley Estate, many of whom have lived in the area for decades, welcomed the redevelopment with optimism. Beatrice Boit, a resident of over 30 years, praised the initiative, saying, "After living here for so long, it’s time for modern homes that will enhance and beautify our city."
The project's developer, Wainana Kenyanjui, assured the county that construction would proceed swiftly, signaling the start of a new era in Nairobi’s urban renewal efforts. With Governor Sakaja at the helm, this project is expected to be the first in a series of developments aimed at reshaping Nairobi's residential landscape.
