Construction work at the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang’ata has been stopped after the Environment and Land Court issued an order halting all ongoing activities at the site.
The decision came only a week after protests broke out in the area, with residents and leaders raising concerns about the project and how it was being implemented.
The court order was issued on December 11 following a petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. In the case, Omtatah challenged the legality of the project, arguing that it violates constitutional and legal requirements.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Charles Mbogi granted a conservatory order stopping the construction until the court makes a final decision on the matter.
“That pending the Ruling of this court in respect of the Petitioner’s Notice of Motion dated July 4, 2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby granted, staying the ongoing construction of social housing and associated infrastructure in Southlands, Langata Constituency, Nairobi County under Contract No. MLPWHUD/SDHUD/SUD/382/2023-2024-LOT NUMBERS 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, which is popularly known as the Southlands Affordable Housing Project,” Justice Mbogi said.
In his petition, Omtatah raised several issues about the project. He claimed that the land on which the housing is being built is public land and that part of it is a road reserve that was illegally converted into private property without following the law. He also warned that the project could put pressure on Lang’ata’s already strained infrastructure.
According to him, adding about 70,000 new residents could overwhelm water supply systems and sewer lines, leading to serious public health risks.
The petition further raised environmental and privacy concerns. Omtatah argued that the project lacks proper environmental impact assessments, which are required by law.
He also stated that the proposed buildings, some reaching 17 storeys, would interfere with the privacy of nearby residents who live in lower maisonette homes.
In addition, he accused the government of failing to carry out meaningful public participation and rushing approvals without following due process.
Residents living near the project echoed some of these concerns. Property owners said the high-rise buildings could reduce property values by between 5 and 15 per cent and expose their homes to privacy intrusion.
Others feared displacement and questioned whether local residents would benefit from the houses, or if they would be allocated to outsiders or politically connected individuals.
Tensions rose last week when Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Jalang’o led protests against the project.
Residents marched to Ardhi House along Ngong Road, carrying placards and blowing whistles. Officials from the Ministry of Housing received their petition during the demonstration.After the protests, ministry officials agreed to temporarily suspend evictions and demolitions linked to the project until proper public participation is conducted and residents’ concerns are addressed. This decision led to a pause in relocation and demolition activities.The Southlands Affordable Housing Project is a large government plan meant to deliver 15,960 housing units across 60 high-rise blocks. The project includes social housing, affordable housing, and market-rate units, as well as amenities such as a primary school, community centres, shops, walkways, gardens, and modern water and waste systems.Despite these plans, the project has faced legal challenges and public resistance, similar to earlier disputes in places like Makongeni Estate. The court is expected to issue a ruling on the matter on February 5, 2026.
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