Mwangi Gakuya looks around and then up at the sky as tears fill his eyes. He stands with the aid of a cane and spits on the ground as he prepares to speak.
The 68-year-old father of four is among the owners of 287 houses in the now-condemned Seefar Apartments that are to be brought down in 10 days.
“I have not slept a wink since I was informed that we have to vacate the building because it is said to have been constructed on riparian land near Nairobi Dam,” Mr Gakuya said.
Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) and National Environment Management Authority (Nema) want the houses demolished to make way for restoration of the riparian reserve within 90 days. The two State agencies issued a two-week notice for demolition last Friday.
“Following inspection by our officers, you have encroached on Nairobi Dam embankment. You have built a permanent structure contrary to provision of EMCA Cap 387. Within 14 days (from the date of this notice) demolish the permanent structure failure to which demolitions will be done without further reference to you,” a letter written on October 12 by Nema and addressed to Edermann Property said.
The notice has sent shivers down the spines of Gakuya and all other owners and tenants of the building. “How can the Government wake up one day and demolish the dreams of innocent people within hours? This is saddening and very frustrating,” said Gakuya, who bought a two-bedroom unit at Sh3 million in 2014.
He said the 14-day notice was not enough as some of the owners had children preparing to sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
“One of my children will sit KCSE in 10 days. Another one is awaiting KCSE. Two are in primary school. They are now stressed and can’t prepare for the exams. Where will I take them?” said Gakuya. Irene Adhiambo, a 45-year-old mother of one, said she too, had sleepless nights since receiving news that the apartments would be demolished. “I am a single parent of a son studying in university.
I have spent all my investment here and was hoping that when I retire and go to the village, my son would occupy this house. Now all my dreams have come to nought,” said Ms Adhiambo who bought a two-bedroom house four years ago. Similarly, Kate Kaigo can’t comprehend what is happening. “The news is heartbreaking.
I have been living here for the last five years; this is home. Giving us 14 days to vacate and look for alternative accommodation is not only expensive but uncalled for,” Ms Kaigo said. The mother of two girls – aged eight and six years – does not know where she will take her children.
Why NEMA has Extended Demolition Notice for Seefar Apartments The government has softened its stance on the demolition of Seefar Apartments in Nairobi’s Nyayo Highrise estate by extending… https://t.co/gVW9oBlvQY pic.twitter.com/5ILRG4D7Ea
— NetworkOfNews Kenya (@NofNews_Kenya) October 16, 2018
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Water Resources Management Authority on Friday issued a 14-day notice to occupants of Seefar Apartments at Nyayo Highrise estate.@Amina_Kenya @Maqbuli #Breakfast984
— Capital in the Morning (@984inthemorning) October 16, 2018