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A contentious land parcel in Mombasa, previously embroiled in a protracted ownership dispute between the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and the Mombasa County Government, is now set to host Sh7 billion affordable housing project.

The 23-acre plot, located in the VOK area of Nyali, will be transformed into a major housing complex as part of the national government’s affordable housing agenda.

On Monday, construction officially commenced as a team from AIA Architects Consortium broke ground. They are now gearing up to deliver 1,976 housing units over the next 720 days.

The project, collaboration between the consortium and State Department of Housing and Urban Development, will also feature a municipal market and commercial center.

“We’re working closely with the government to develop a two-in-one project on one of the most prime sites in Mombasa,” said AIA Architects Director, Mohammed Munyanya. “The project will include not only housing units but also a commercial hub with a municipal market of 1,000 stalls.”

The development plan extends beyond just housing. The complex will boast a Level Four hospital, schools—one primary, one secondary, and an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre—providing a holistic community experience.

Housing structure

Munyanya detailed the housing structure, explaining that it will cater to three distinct groups. “At the bottom, we will have 700 social housing units under a rent-to-own model. The next tier will offer slightly larger units of around 50 to 60 square meters, either one or two-bedroom, targeted at affordable housing seekers. The top tier will be market-level housing, aimed at individuals who can secure bank loans to purchase these homes.”

The apartment blocks will rise to 15 stories, making efficient use of the land, with thorough geo-technical investigations ensuring the stability of the foundations.

Mired in controversy

The site, which sits directly off the Mombasa-Malindi highway, had been mired in controversy. Once an illegal dumpsite, it became a flashpoint between the National Broadcaster and the Mombasa County Government.

Attempts by KBC to erect a perimeter wall around the property in 2016 sparked tension, with both the national and county governments staking claims to the land.

The standoff reached its peak when the then Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho, allegedly led a group of youth to demolish part of the wall KBC had built. The act drew the ire of the then Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa, who defended KBC’s ownership, stating the land did not belong to the defunct Municipal Council. The dumpsite was eventually cleared two years ago, but tensions persisted until recently.

Yesterday, the stakeholders confirmed that all parties had reached an amicable agreement. “The site has a very colorful history,” Munyanya remarked. “But thankfully, the local administration, led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, worked with all the stakeholders, including KBC, to embrace this project.”

Mombasa’s County Director of Housing Rodgers Wakhungu, echoed the sentiments, noting that Governor Nassir’s leadership was instrumental in resolving the dispute.