Kibera structures built on road reserves destroyed

The demolition of house has kicked off in Nairobi Kibera slum. The demolitions began on Monday to pave way for the coming construction of the 2 billion link road.

The residents were given notice and time to vacate, however some stayed as they had nowhere to go. The residents had hoped that the government would provide for them alternative settlement.

The over 30,000 residents were asked to vacate by Monday 23rd. However the government was forced to forcefully evict the many residents who stayed.

The hopes of the evicted residents to be compensated was squashed after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) said they wouldn’t.

“You cannot compensate someone for land that they do not own because they do not have title deeds. We will however give out something ‘small’ to help the residents relocate. They will also be allowed to carry their structural materials,” said John Cheboi, Kura communications officer.

The proposed link road is meant to ease congestion the city and will connectNgong Road-Kibera-Kiungu Karumba-Langata Road.

The demolitions were conducted under heavy police presence but the residents maintained peace since they had prior knowledge of this.

School children were also affected by the demolitions after their schools structures were  brought down. Makini Self-help primary school and Adventure prime centre were demolished. A children’s home, Egesa’s Children Home, was also taken down.

Amnesty International (AI), a human rights group has condemned the demolitions and asked the government to stop it.

Thee group wants the government to complete the listing and resettlement of the estimated affected 30,000 people before completion of demolitions

“The goal of adequate and dignified housing cannot be met by stripping the 30,000 inhabitants of the only housing, shops, clinics and schools they have. Demolition prior to the completion of the Resettlement Action Plan betrays the public trust and violates our laws. These forced demolitions must be halted,” said AI in a statement to newsrooms