Residents of Nairobi’s Runda Estate have staged a peaceful
protest to oppose what they describe as an illegal and environmentally harmful
attempt to develop a luxury housing project on public land along Andrew
Zagoritis Road.
The demonstration, organized under the banner
#SaveRundaBasin, drew dozens of residents and community members who called for
the protection of land that was originally designated for public use nearly
five decades ago.
According to Runda Residents Association Chairman Chris
Getonga, the contested eight-acre parcel was set aside for educational and
community purposes in 1977 when Mae Properties Limited, the original developer
of Runda Estate, surrendered it to the government.
He said private developers were now attempting to convert
the public land into a 48-million-dollar luxury housing scheme comprising 16
units, each valued between 2 and 3.6 million dollars.
Getonga argued that the proposed project undermines public interest, threatens the environment, and is rooted in historical irregularities surrounding land allocation in the area.
“Today, private developers are attempting to convert this public land into a USD 48 million luxury housing scheme with 16 units, each priced between USD 2 million and USD 3.6 million,” said Getonga.
“This project undermines public interest, threatens the environment, and is rooted in historical irregularities.”
Residents have also raised an alarm that the disputed parcel,
known as the Runda Basin, has been illegally backfilled to pave the way for
construction.
The basin, which serves as a crucial stormwater retention
area for the estate, helps to regulate surface runoff and prevent flooding
during heavy rains.
Environmental experts have warned that altering the basin
could lead to severe ecological consequences, including increased flooding,
soil erosion, and property damage.
Residents claim that
soil dumping on the site in 2024 disrupted natural drainage systems, causing
water to overflow into nearby properties along Benin Drive and Eliud Mathu
Road.
“This development is not only illegal but dangerous. The Runda Basin acts as our natural water retention area, and destroying it threatens the entire neighborhood,” said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters who joined the demonstration on Friday.
The residents accused the developers of environmental
degradation, unlawful change of land use, and encroachment on public property.
They demanded immediate intervention from the Nairobi City
County Government, the National Environment Management Authority, and the Water
Resources Authority to stop the works, investigate the ownership of the land,
and revoke any irregular approvals issued to the developers.
Karura Ward Member of County Assembly Fiu Nifiu urged
government agencies to move swiftly to protect public land and restore the
parcel to its intended purpose.
He said restoring the land for education and community use
would set a landmark precedent in defending public interest and ending the
cycle of land grabbing in Nairobi.
As the demonstration ended peacefully, residents vowed to
continue their protests until the authorities act.
They said the Runda Basin is not just a piece of land but a
vital part of their neighborhood’s ecosystem and heritage.
For them, protecting it is a matter of environmental justice
and a legacy for future generations.
