Residents of Makongeni have been given five days to vacate the estate as demolitions to begin. Those who have already received compensation have started relocating ahead of the December 2 eviction deadline. 

However, some long-time residents, many of whom have lived in the area for more than six decades, remain hesitant, accusing the government of disrupting their lives.

The government maintains that residents will be given the first opportunity to purchase units in the upcoming redevelopment, promising that the new Makongeni will allow the community to return and rebuild.

It is a race against time for residents of Makongeni as eviction plans move into high gear. 

“Serikali imeamua na sisi hatuna nguvu tutahama tu,” said Elizabeth Musyoka.

“Kuhama ni challenge tumeshtukiwa tunahama tu,” said Sabina Kemuma.

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According to the government, more than 3,000 residents have received Ksh.150,000 each to facilitate their relocation. But even as they acknowledge receiving the funds, many say the amount falls short of what they need to start afresh.

“Nimekaa hapa tangu 2005 mpaka siku ya leo… serikali imesema hatutaachwa hivo tutalipwa… walisema ukipata hiyo 150 uanze kuhama,” said Marion Takaa.

“Ni vizuri wametupatia hiyo pesa lakini huko nje maisha ni magumu,” said Elizabeth Musyoka.

As they load their household items onto pick-up vehicles, residents, especially parents, say the most daunting challenge lies ahead, finding new homes, new routines, and new schools for their children.

“Hatujapata ata barua kutoka shule,” said Elizabeth Musyoka.

“Kwasasa hii niko na watoto wako secondary wengine wako primary… siku tumepewa kidogo ata haiwezi nitosha nifike Kisii,” said Sabina Kemuma.

Others, however, claim they have not received any compensation despite being served eviction notices.

Government officials say only about 100 households are yet to be paid, attributing the delays to verification issues, including mismatched identification details. They insist the affected families will be compensated once the discrepancies are resolved.

“Niko na challenge kubwa kwa sababu ni mwenye nyumba alipata pesa mimi nimekodisha sasa nitahama aje,” said Brenda Kerubo.

“Nimepata notice na sijapata pesa,” said Morris Okuyi.

The government maintains that residents will ultimately have the opportunity to purchase and return to the new Makongeni once redevelopment is complete. For now, officials say, the land must be cleared to pave the way for a modern, upgraded estate.

This marks the painful end of an era for many residents of Makongeni, who have called the area home for decades, as the government moves ahead with plans to redevelop the settlement.