Homebuyers fear millions lost as Ngara housing project faces delays
A group of investors who injected Sh388 million into the proposed Nairobi City County–backed Jeevanjee Estate in Ngara have expressed fear of losing their hard-earned money.
Years later, the day they hoped to move into their new homes is still nowhere in sight, even as the contractor and the Nairobi City County Government assure them that the first occupants will begin moving in from February 2026.
But this is not the first time they have heard such promises. Some investors now suspect they may be getting conned and are calling for the intervention of the Head of State.
In February 2018, City Hall announced the construction of 1,800 affordable housing units at Nairobi Bachelors Jeevanjee Estate in Ngara, Nairobi.
The project, which was expected to be completed within two years, would be fully developed by Jabavu Village Limited, with the county providing land and the units sold to buyers.
According to Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, allocation of the units would be subdivided between the county and the developer.
“The county will get 30% of the units developed and the developer will have 70%, which he will be able to dispose of and recover his resources,” he said.
Two hundred members of Taqwa Savings and Credit Cooperative have since paid Sh387,500,000 to the developer.
This disbursement represents 67 percent of the total amount required to secure the homes fully.
They reveal they stopped injecting more money after noticing that the rate at which they were paying for the homes was not consistent with the pace of construction.
One hundred investors were each eyeing two-bedroom units costing Sh2.5 million each.
The other one hundred investors targeted three-bedroom units priced at Sh3.5 million each.
They told NTV they were willing to complete the payment of Sh600 million only if the developer’s construction milestones matched their financial commitment.
According to the agreement, handover was set for December 15, 2022, with the developer expected to vacate the site on or before October 31, 2022.
Their dream still feels far off, even as construction continues, because the project stalled for years after the old buildings occupying the site were demolished and around 80 former residents moved out in 2018 to pave the way for construction. The former residents are set to receive part of the county’s allocated units.
“The county government has acknowledged the long delay in handover and occupancy but is hopeful that in the new year the long wait will be over,” Akumali said.
“The developer is back on site. In fact, by the end of January 2026, Block 3 and 4 will be ready for occupation. The full project will be complete and ready to hand over by the end of June 2027,” he added.
A visit to the site revealed visible progress, yet members of Taqwa Sacco feel left behind. To them, the authorities’ assurances amount to empty promises, and only tangible results will restore their trust. They are now calling on the President to intervene.
“So many families have been broken due to this project. So many buildings, so many properties have been auctioned because of the loans that have been taken for this project. We are appealing, because given time this will become a time bomb. We are afraid and we suspect we are being conned,” lamented Shariff Hussein, a prospective homeowner.
Frustrated by what they see as minimal progress, poor accountability and the absence of a clear completion timeline, the petitioners sought intervention from the Nairobi City County Assembly.
They had earlier approached the National Assembly and the Senate, but their petition was declined as the matter was still under review at the County Assembly.
They have also written to the Affordable Housing Board under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development in search of a resolution.
At one point, in what Taqwa Sacco members describe as a rare communication from Jabavu, a letter dated March 1, 2023 attributed the delay to factors beyond the developer’s control.
It cited Covid-19 lockdowns, global material shortages and price spikes, Kenya’s reliance on imported construction inputs and the added impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly the doubling of steel prices.
Jabavu further noted that election-period uncertainty slowed progress.
Chris Abuga, an official from Mateal Africa Ltd, one of the contractors working under Jabavu, acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that only finishing touches remain, saying there is no cause for alarm.
“We are envisioning finishing these two towers by the end of January. Towers 1 and 2, by August, because even partitioning is done in those towers, and then the rest of the site by the end of next year,” he said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.