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Residents of Kahawa Sukari in Ruiru, Kiambu County are up in arms over the invasion of the posh estate by developers who are putting up highrise rental apartments.

The plot owners and tenants are now appealing to Governor Kimani Wamatangi to put into check the ongoing developments which they say compromise security and constrain infrastructure including power, water, and sewerage disposal.

Led by area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kennedy Odhiambo and their welfare association leaders, the residents told the county government to demolish the upcoming structures which are against the area’s single dwelling units plan and by-laws.

Odhiambo warned that those violating the county building regulations will have their structures pulled down at the owners’ cost.

He said the developers live in other areas, some abroad and others in Nairobi, and declared that the structures will be marked for demolition.

Ruiru sub-county administrator Francis Isote says there are illegal buildings by rogue developers coming up in all the five wards and the county government will issue stoppage or demolition notices to those who don’t comply.

“The mushrooming of unplanned buildings is rampant in all the wards of the sub-county. If the developers fail to comply we shall pursue demolition orders from the courts,” said Isote.

Residents identify houses

Residents said they have identified at least 12 structures under construction in the area whose approval by the county government is questionable.

The Kahawa Sukari Residents and Plot Owners Association Vice-chairman Edward Kiganjo said the area’s by-laws allow only one-family buildings but people were going against this with impunity.

Area assistant chief Boniface Muchuku said the mushrooming of multi-dwelling structures is a recipe for the multiplication of crime in the area.