Charles Hinga, the Housing and Urban Development department Principal Secretary, has slammed Kenyans who opposed Makongeni Estate demolitions.

Speaking to a local TV station on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Hinga stated those who opposed the eviction had no idea of what was in the offing.

He explained that the process followed extensive engagement with tenants and was not a rushed government decision.

“We entered into a very engaging conversation with the tenants,” Hinga said, adding that the approach adopted was rare and deliberate.

“I don’t know whether you have ever heard of a situation where a tenant is asked to vacate and then you get paid to leave,” Hinga noted.

He clarified that traditionally, tenants pay landlords; however, this case was different and structured.

“In this case, we agreed that we are going to pay the tenant to leave,” Hinga said. He further revealed that notices were issued in December last year, and negotiations were held openly.

“Initially, we were going to pay them 30,000; they negotiated from 30,000 to 150,000,” Hinga explained, confirming that 3,600 tenants signed a formal consent acknowledging the agreement.

Tenants’ compensation

He also addressed confusion surrounding subtenants. “Tenants in Makongeni were paid, but others who have sublet their houses did not inform their subtenants of the same,” Hinga stated.

“Legally, we have no obligation to the subtenants, but we have agreed they too will be paid the Ksh 150,000,” he added.

He noted that this amount is equivalent to nine years of rent, therefore cushioning their relocation.

However, Hinga stressed that the demolitions are part of a long-term urban transformation agenda.

“The Makongeni demolition is part of a program that we started on what is called Nairobi Eastlands Regeneration,” he explained.

He said this plan is guided by a 2019 master plan that redefined how space should be utilised.

“What you find in the original Eastlands master plan was designed for 17,000 households,” Hinga stated.

He further elaborated that these units sit on 3,100 acres, which, according to planners, reflects poor land usage.

“Nairobi is not expanding, but more people are coming,” Hinga observed, linking the demolitions to sustainable city planning.

Consequently, the demolition exercise, compensation structure, and regeneration strategy remain aligned.