Demolition of Woodley houses signals an end to Nairobi's colonial estates

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, residents of Woodley Estate in Nairobi were left in the cold and in distress after 43 homes in the colonial-era estate were demolished.

The estate was built by British colonial mayor, Sir Richard Woodley, in the 1940s and 50s.

The demolition has signalled the desire of the Nairobi City County government to bring down all old estates within the city and build new houses conforming to modern standards.

During the eviction, most house owners were caught unawares, like Sammy Lui, a former broadcaster who has lived in the estate for 53 years and who was distressed and disheartened.

"I am among the 43 families expected to vacate, yet I have never been part of any public participation the county claims to have conducted. They approved the demolition of old houses marked as Lot One and Lot Two without consulting us. We have nothing against the project, but we should be engaged," Lui said.

The residents, through their association, failed to prevent the demolition after they lost a court case.

Ownership controversy

The Nairobi County government plans to build modern housing in Woodley. The estate, situated along Joseph Kangethe Road, has been at the centre of controversy over ownership of the houses.

Bulldozers smashed through fences and flattened homes following the expiry of the vacate deadline at midnight on November 19.

Some tenants had already vacated after receiving a compensation of Sh900,000 each from the Nairobi County government.

The eviction is part of the county government's urban renewal housing project in partnership with Africa Reit Ltd.

Residents sift through rubble after houses were demolished in Woodley Estate, Nairobi. (Photo: Handout)

The entire estate comprises 300 housing units, including flats and two- and three-bedroom stand-alone bungalows.

It is one of the many decades-old estates the county plans to demolish to build new high-rise apartments to accommodate the city's growing population

Woodly MCA David Ngibuni told The Eastleigh Voice on Friday that the process leading to the demolition followed due processes of the law.

"I called the residents for a public baraza at the onset of this matter on a Sunday afternoon many months ago. We deliberated and discussed what the residents wanted. The residents told me clearly that they do not want to move," he said.

Following the deliberations, Ngibuni says further talks with the county government of Nairobi led by Governor Johnson Sakaja ensued in a bid to iron out the stalemate.

During the meeting, held at the governor's parlour, the MCA said a detailed presentation of how the finished product would look, the design, the number of units being built, amenities, number of houses to be affected were unveiled.

Nairobi County offered the Woodley residents a relocation fee of Sh900,000 each which was calculated as Sh25,000 per month as rent for 36 months, the period the construction of modern houses is expected to take.

Sakaja has assured the 43 tenants of Woodley Estate who vacated their properties that they will reclaim their homes upon the project's completion.

Modern residential estate

Speaking after chairing a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday at City Hall, Sakaja confirmed that the 10-acre piece of land, part of a larger 100-acre parcel, will be transformed into a modern residential estate accommodating 1,975 housing units.

He emphasised the government's commitment to transparency and humane treatment in redevelopment projects, noting that this is the first time residents have received compensation and formal guarantees before being asked to vacate.

"Imagine a landlord giving you money to pay rent elsewhere, and later inviting you to return to newer, better houses. This is exactly what we are doing," he said.

Sakaja also highlighted plans to modernise other estates in Nairobi, such as Bahati and Kariobangi, while ensuring legal processes are followed.

"We will modernise other areas in Nairobi as well. Residents will be compensated, given allotment letters, and adequate notice to vacate. We are committed to fair and humane redevelopment," he said.

The proposed modern Woodley Village Estate will have a swimming pool, playground, and shopping centre, setting a new standard for urban living in Nairobi.

Woodley Estate is synonymous with several famous individuals who made it their home during their heydays.

They include freedom fighter Achieng Oneko, Barack Obama Snr, Argwings Kodhek, Ukambani politician Mulu Mutisya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's speechwriter, Odinge Odera.

Other estates likely to be affected include Shauri Moyo, Bahati, Mbotela, Ziwani, Makongeni and Jericho.