Nairobi property developers call for unity during AGM, decry intimidation in Parklands
Developers allege that the Parklands Residents Association is intent on preventing other Kenyans from acquiring and developing property in the area.
The Property Developers Welfare Society of Nairobi held its annual general meeting (AGM) today (Saturday), bringing together representatives from over 40 companies involved in the property development sector.
The meeting served as a platform to review the achievements and obstacles faced by the association since its inception, while also encouraging more developers to join the organisation.
During the meeting, members discussed the milestones that the association has achieved over time.
One of the most significant accomplishments has been the formal registration of the association, the establishment of a physical office, and the hiring of staff to oversee daily operations. These developments have allowed the organisation to function more efficiently and improve coordination among its members.
The association has increasingly taken on an advocacy role, voicing concerns on behalf of its members and stepping in to address issues that have affected property developers in Nairobi.
One of the key areas of intervention has been protection from harassment by Nairobi City County enforcement officers. Members said the association has played a crucial role in challenging these actions and offering support to affected developers.
In addition to its advocacy work, the association has participated in several corporate social responsibility initiatives.
These include providing food to residents of Kamukunji who were affected by floods and distributing iftar meals to underprivileged individuals during the holy month of Ramadan.
Despite these successes, the association continues to face several challenges.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the obstruction of property development activities in Parklands and Westlands. Members reported that certain individuals and groups have managed to stop construction projects in these areas by filing court injunctions and through acts of intimidation.
A key group identified as contributing to these challenges is the Parklands Residents Association.
According to the developers, members of this group have continuously opposed property development projects in the area.
Discriminatory and exclusionary remarks
In a screenshot from a WhatsApp group seen by The Eastleigh Voice, members of the residents’ group reportedly referred to Kenyan developers operating in the area as "illegal immigrants."
This has sparked criticism not only from the Property Developers Welfare Society but also from other Kenyans on social media who have viewed the remarks as discriminatory and exclusionary.
Developers allege that the Parklands Residents Association is intent on preventing other Kenyans from acquiring and developing property in the area.
They claim that members of the residents’ group have used various forms of intimidation and have worked in collaboration with certain government officials to halt development projects.
There have also been claims that some of the complaints that led to the suspension of projects were made by individuals who had originally sold the land, raising questions about their motives.
Several construction projects have already been halted through court orders obtained by the Parklands Residents Association.
These legal actions have not only delayed ongoing projects but have also led to Nairobi City County halting the approval of new building permits in the area as directed by the court.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Property Developers Welfare Society of Nairobi, Abdirahman Shibli, said the association remains committed to supporting its members.
He emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming the challenges facing developers in the city.
“We have a quite number of members, we have more than 50 companies that are registered with us and that is quite a good number,” Abdirahman said.
He encouraged more property development firms to join the association, stating that membership is open to all, regardless of race, gender, religion, or tribe.
Also in attendance was Kamukunji Member of Parliament, Yusuf Hassan, who commended the association’s efforts and urged its members to remain united.
He emphasised that working together would enhance their ability to protect their interests and achieve their development goals.
“Unity will take you to places where being alone will not take you. With unity, you will have more power,” he said.
The MP also called on the developers to maintain infrastructure in the areas where they carry out their projects, with a particular focus on ensuring that roads remain in good condition.
The AGM ended with a renewed commitment from the members to work closely with the leadership of the association and to strengthen their voice as property developers in Nairobi.
The organisation hopes that by growing its membership and consolidating its influence, it can continue to advocate effectively for a more enabling environment for development in the city.
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