Kisumu's Lumumba Estate Razed to Pave Way for Affordable Housing Project

The bulldozers have had their say and Lumumba Estate, a cornerstone of Kisumu City for over six decades, lies in ruins.

Once a vibrant residential community, the estate has succumbed to the demands of urban regeneration, joining Makasembo and Anderson in the records of Kisumu's past. The demolition marks a poignant farewell for long-term residents, some of whom had called Lumumba home for generations. These families dismantled their dwellings, a bittersweet process of salvaging memories alongside windows, doors, and roofing. The estate, named after the slain Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, had housed prominent figures in Kenya's history, further solidifying its place in the city's narrative. Kaloleni, a neighbouring estate with a predominantly Nubian population and a shared history with Lumumba has witnessed the dismantling with a sense of loss.

John Odenyo, a resident since the early 1960s, expresses a mix of emotions. He recounts that the estate nurtured a strong sense of community where residents shared life's joys and sorrows. The affordability of the two-bedroom units, initially priced at Sh2,000 per month before rising to Sh4,000 in 2020, had allowed families to establish deep roots. Mr Odenyo, along with other residents, fought valiantly against the demolition, petitioning the Senate. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful, leaving them to grapple with inadequate compensation offers with rumours of Sh12,000 later revised to Sh24,000 falling short of their expectations.

Mr Odenyo is hopeful that residents will be prioritized for occupancy in the new, affordable housing units slated for construction on the site. The Ministry of Lands, Public Works Housing and Urban Development has already initiated the process, inviting tenders for the project which aims to deliver 480 units in the current financial year. While the demolition signifies the loss of a cultural landmark, it also presents an opportunity for renewal. The dilapidated state of many council housing estates, a consequence of years of neglect, necessitates a fresh approach. Meanwhile, Kisumu County has initiated the search for investor partnerships and exploration of estate management best practices.

In a recent announcement, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga outlined the government's plans to redevelop several estates in Nairobi as part of the Affordable Housing Program. The program aims to expand the availability of rental properties, offer homes for purchase at attainable prices, and generate employment opportunities for young people. To expedite the initiative, the PS has directed the Lands Cabinet Secretary to initiate the eviction process for tenants residing in the designated estates. The estates slated for redevelopment include Jogoo Road Phases I & II, Jamaa, Mbotela, Ahero, and Mawenzi Gardens. Tenants in these estates are required to vacate their units and settle any outstanding rent, utility bills, and service charges with the Director of Estate Management. Importantly, these tenants will be prioritized for purchasing or renting a home within the redeveloped estates upon completion.