NAIROBI LANDOWNERS RISK LOSING IDLE PLOTS

Nairobi landowners with undeveloped plots could soon lose their property if they fail to put it to use, following a renewed government directive targeting idle land in the capital.
According to sources within the Nairobi City County Government, authorities are preparing to reclaim unutilized land in a bid to curb land speculation and support affordable housing initiatives. The move is also aimed at deterring criminal activities often associated with abandoned or undeveloped spaces.
"We have noticed that some landowners are holding prime plots without any development, some for years. This cannot continue while the city faces a housing crisis," a senior county official stated.
The county has begun issuing notices to absentee landowners, warning them of possible repossession if development does not commence within the stipulated timeframe. While the exact duration before repossession has not been officially announced, insiders suggest it could range from six months to one year.
The directive aligns with the national government's push for urban renewal and affordable housing, particularly under President William Ruto’s flagship housing program.
Legal experts, however, warn that repossession must follow due legal process and respect property rights enshrined in the Constitution.