Sonko linked to missing title deeds as Nairobi's affordable housing projects stall

Despite being landowners, the majority of Kenyans lack title deeds, leaving them vulnerable in a landscape rife with land grabbing.

A report by the National Crime Research Centre reveals that only 37 per cent of landowners in Kenya possess this crucial documentation.

As President William Ruto highlighted on July 11, 2023, there is an urgent need to address the plight of over 85 per cent of Nairobi residents who are without title deeds, emphasising the gravity of this ongoing crisis.

The Johnson Sakaja-led administration in Nairobi which is almost 26 months in office, does not have title deeds for two major Affordable Housing Projects.

This was revealed during a committee sitting of the Nairobi City County Assembly's 12-member Planning Committee where they learnt that the county government lacks title deeds for land designated for affordable housing projects.

During a meeting led by Kitisuru ward representative Alvin Olando Palapala, Built Environment and Urban Planning County Executive Committee Member, Patrick Mbogo revealed that former Governor Mike Sonko is still in possession of the title deed for Jevanjee estate.

According to Mbogo, the Jevanjee estate title deed was entrusted to Sonko in 2018 but has not been returned following his impeachment.

"The certificate of the title for Jevanjee Estate was registered in the name of Nairobi City County on August 9, 2018. Later that year, the certificate of the title was taken by former Governor Mike Sonko and never returned to us," he told the committee.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. (Photo: Handout)

Implications

The committee expressed deep concern over the security of county property and the implications for potential investors.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok and Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu insisted that Sonko must be summoned to explain why he still holds the title deed.

"We must pursue Sonko with all the efforts possible ... He has to appear before this committee and the chief valuer," they said.

The situation is compounded by the fact that hundreds of residents occupy completed homes in the Pangani estate, yet its title deed is also unaccounted for.

Governor Sakaja's administration has been tasked with producing the Pangani title deed and explaining the delays in both housing projects, despite allocated funding.

"These people took money from residents who bought the houses and time has lapsed, yet they have not completed the project," Palapala noted, highlighting the frustration of the community.

Kiragu further criticised the mismanagement of county funds.

"The officers who were meant to implement it are not sure. This is pure theft, and we are putting them on notice. As the assembly, we will not be a party to their thieving ways," he said

MCAs have made it clear they will not allow the launch of new affordable housing projects until the issues surrounding the missing title deeds are resolved.

The county government requested the original title deed for the Pangani project in August 2022, but its current whereabouts remain unclear.

Out of a planned 1,562 housing units in Pangani, only 160 have been completed, with promises from the county that the entire project will be finished by the end of 2026.

Similarly, the Jevanjee estate is expected to host 1,830 units, including various configurations of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes.

In addition to these projects, the county plans to construct affordable housing in several other areas, including Bahati Estate, Maringo, Jericho, Lumumba, Ziwani, Bondeni, Kariobangi North, Embakasi, and Woodley, with thousands of units set to be built.