Another demolition looms in Diani for Ruto’s housing project
The lives of more than 2,000 residents of Whitehouse Estate in Diani, Kwale County, are in limbo after County Commissioner Michael Meru announced that work on the government’s affordable housing project in the estate would begin in 14 days.
Since late last year, residents of the 24-hour economy town of Diani have been told that their homes will be demolished to make way for the affordable housing projects being implemented in various counties.
More than 500 families currently live in the 500-unit Whitehouse Estate, a residential area just 10 minutes from the beach in Diani. The estate was built on six acres of land and most of the residents work along the beach road, catering to tourists in resorts and restaurants.
Several businesses – from bars and restaurants to supermarkets and grocery shops – have also been set up in the area to serve the residents.
But since the county commissioner’s statement and news of tenders for the supply of bricks, sand, cement and other building materials reached residents, they have been a worried lot.
Francis Muthoka says he spends sleepless nights thinking about the day he will find his house and 34-year-old supermarket business in rubble.
“It is almost 40 years since I moved here. This happened when the then municipal council decided to relocate traders along Beach Road to occupy this place. Each trader was allocated land and given an allotment letter from the administration,” he said.
A letter seen by the Nation, signed by the area council clerk in December 1987, shows that those allotted the land were required to pay Sh1 a day and also to build their houses to a specific plan in less than six months.
The following year, he set up his business and called it Whitehouse Minimart and Whitehouse Restaurant in the Maweni A area, which is now known as Whitehouse and has more residents than it did in the 1980s.
“This is just enough evidence of how long I have stayed here legally. I hold all the documents, including an allotment letter of this area,” he told the Nation. He said the arrangement lasted until during devolution, when the rates skyrocketed from Sh600 a year to Sh6,000 a year. They then started paying the new rates.
Tirus Muriku said the residents had already invested heavily in the plots allocated to them, as each person raised money to build their own house.
“Some of us are servicing the loans we took to build these houses. If you demolish and displace us, it will be a great setback for all of us,” he said.
The residents said that while compensation was their last option, the government should also consider the disruption caused by the relocation.
“We have children enrolled in schools; we also have businesses here that have been running. If they insist for us to move from this place then the compensation should consider all these details,” said Agripinna Muchai.
Monika Mutio said residents felt disrespected that they were only informed about the project through various media platforms and not individually.
“We are here, but in the dark. I do not know when my house is going to be brought down. No one has given us a notice or anything that will guide our next move, apart from learning from the news that the project is going to begin in two weeks’ time,” she said.
She added that there has been no public participation and that they have had three meetings with different government officials, but nothing has come of them.
“We are just worried that the government does not care about its citizens. The last time we met with the Ministry of Lands [officials], we got intimidated and they told us that there would be no compensation. This is not what we were promised during elections,” she said.
This comes as County Commissioner Meru confirmed that the project will go ahead as planned, and that three more sites in Kwale County have been earmarked for the development of the affordable housing project.
Meru, who heads the committee in charge of planning the affordable housing project, said 10,000 houses will be built at the four sites – Whitehouse, Kwale Survey Camp, Kwale City Housing Scheme and Mabokoni Smart City.
Saumu Beja, the Kwale County Executive Committee member for Lands, said the county government donated the land to the national government for the implementation of the project.
“We not only want the houses to benefit Kwale residents, but the governor has also insisted that every job and tender should benefit the business owners in Kwale,” he said.
Meanwhile, the residents of the busy area now want the government to find another site for the affordable housing project so that their families are not affected.
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
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
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.