County Secretary allays fears of demolition of county houses

Written by Grace Wamaitha and Roy Lumbe

Nakuru County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura has dismissed rumours of the county’s plan to demolish and evict tenants from county houses in Nakuru Town East sub-county for an affordable housing project, terming the claims as cheap propaganda.

While addressing the tenants, Dr Mwaura assured them there would be no evictions and that the county government has a plan to improve living conditions, adding that propagandists were unable to explain why H.E Governor Susan Kihika was heavily investing in rehabilitating the houses with a motive of demolishing the houses.

Claims had emerged that the county government was on course to demolish county houses to pave the way for the construction of affordable housing projects.

According to Dr Mwaura, those spreading the propaganda were only doing so for selfish gains and political mileage using the tenants are pawns in their agenda, saying locals should not fall into their traps.

“Do not lose your sleep because of the stories you are being fed by political brokers, no one will evict you from the houses. The governor cannot be rehabilitating the houses then order a demolition, it does not make any sense,” said Dr Mwaura.

He revealed that the county plans to waive accrued tenant debts, and update tenant records to create a better environment, and encourage an estate leadership structure for engagement opportunities, adding that through an open-door policy, the county was able to organize the matatu industry and that the same will be done in the housing sector.

“We want to ensure that you are united, make sure you have estate leadership which will be responsible for channelling your plights and concerns because I am sure all estates have different challenges,” he added.

Dr Mwaura stated that the county government cannot go ahead with such a move without involving all stakeholders through public participation adding that they are working to streamline and update the record list of all tenants in all the county houses.

“We had seen many cartels had infiltrated the matatu industry trying to thwart all efforts to streamline the sector but we managed to keep them off, now we can work on this one and move forward,” said Mwaura.

Among the county houses are Paul Machanga, Abongoloya, Lumumba, Kivumbini, 1, 2, 3, 4, Shauri Yako, Kaloleni A, B, C, Phase II, Kimathi, Flamingo, Mohammed Kahero, Moi Flats, and Ojuka estate.

Trade Executive Member Stephen Kuria and Chief Officer Housing and Urban Development Kamau Kuria echoed Dr Mwaura’s sentiments saying the governor has no intention to evict anyone without a proper plan and consultation.

Kamau Kuria revealed that the county is currently formulating a social housing policy which will be completed in February and presented to members of the public and later the assembly to streamline the housing sector.

Also in the meeting were City Board Chairperson, Stephen Muli, and Francis Njoroge from the office of the governor.