PAY ATTENTION: TUKO is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger.
As the government's affordable housing project hots up, hundreds of residents in Mombasa county's Changamwe area have been rendered homeless.
They lost their homes after National Housing Corporation (NHC) officers demolished the ancient structures.
According to the Daily Nation, the officers descended on the houses and pulled down the roofs of the houses, which have existed for over 30 years.
PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
There are over 790 units in the estate, including detached houses, bungalows and maisonettes.
NHC intends to use the space to construct 9,000 high-rise residential units and commercial spaces.
Other amenities in the master-plan include primary and secondary schools, recreational centres, and a sports facility.
The affected residents, however, expressed disappointment at how the process was being undertaken and accused the government of leaving them without alternative housing.
One of them disclosed that she was comfortable paying the KSh 7,500 monthly rent for her two-bedroom house and didn't know where to find such a deal as houses are expensive.
They expressed worries that even if they find accommodation for the time being, they may not be able to afford the KSh 15,000 rent once the new buildings are ready for tenancy.
The hammer fell on the hapless tenants after the Environment and Land Court dismissed their case and gave NHC the go-ahead to demolish their houses.
NHC told the court that the tenants were notified to vacate the property for redevelopment in January 2018.
"The tenants were given alternative new houses to relocate to within the same area developed by the corporation," reads part of the court documents.
Changamwe evictions come barely three months since hundreds of other Kenyans were rendered homeless when their houses were demolished in Athi River.
In the wake of the destruction, Lands PS Nixon Korir clarified that the government would not compensate the affected.
Korir said the entity that courted the victims into buying the land, Aimi MA Lukenya Sacco, was to be held accountable and compelled to compensate the investors.
The land belongs to the East African Portland Cement Company, whose ownership was underscored by a Machakos court.
PAY ATTENTION: Unlock exclusive features from TUKO.co.ke - join our membership!
Who Is John Vernon Bevan Olyphant? All About Timothy Olyphant's Father
Kenyan Newspapers Review For December 19: Drunk Nyeri Police Officer Disobeys Senior, Shoots Him
Oscar Sudi Brags He's Boss Of Employees With Multiple Degrees: "Hiyo Makaratasi Yenyu Yote"
Changamwe
Mombasa: Gov't Evicts Hundreds of Changamwe Residents to Pave Way for
Hundreds face eviction to make way for Mombasa's affordable housing