Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has addressed allegations of owning land title deeds of lands meant for President William Ruto’s ambitious Affordable Housing projects.
Sonko on Wednesday dismissed reports that he was in possession of two title deeds related to two Affordable Housing projects within Nairobi city.
The former county chief while speaking at his Upper Hill office in Nairobi accused a section of Nairobi County Government officials of misleading Governor Johnson Sakaja regarding the ownership of land title deeds for government lands in Ngara and Jeevanjee.
He singled out Lands CEC Sg Mwangi and Finance CEC Charles Kerich, criticizing them for allegedly misinforming the Nairobi County Planning Committee.
“Kerich and Sg Mwangi are misleading the public. They were present when the projects began and know that the title deeds are not in my possession. They are held by National Bank, which acted as a guarantor for the Nairobi County’s Ksh1.9 billion loan for these housing projects,” Sonko stated.
Sonko while clarifying the matter also noted that the Affordable Housing projects in Nairobi were brainstormed and planned during the tenure of Evans Kidero, the first governor of Nairobi.
According to Sonko, it was during Kidero’s tenure that the government reached a Public-Private partnership with a local investor for the development of Affordable Houses within the city.
Sonko speaks on owning land titles for affordable housing projects
The former governor, however, claimed that no meaningful progress took place in the construction of the houses despite the agreement, forcing his administration to fast-track the project.
Sonko noted that when the housing projects were initiated under his administration, he compensated tenants with Ksh600,000 each.
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He however expressed concern that many tenants have not yet received housing, warning that they could lose their homes if political disputes over ownership continue.
The former governor emphasized that the delays in completing the Ngara and Jeevanjee housing projects should be attributed to the current county administration.
“On May 23, 2023, Nairobi County used the title deeds to secure a Ksh1.9 billion loan. I was no longer governor at that time. Sg Mwangi and Kerich should complete the projects instead of deflecting blame onto me,” Sonko asserted.
“I urge Governor Sakaja to be cautious. Some of his CECs, who worked under me, know the truth about these projects but are not telling him.”
At the same time, Sonko emphasized that the housing projects in Nairobi are beneficial but warned against political interference and diversion tactics that could undermine such a noble initiative.
Sakaja urged to launch investigations
The former governor has called on Governor Sakaja to investigate the matter, accusing his cabinet members of trying to tarnish his name and reputation by falsely suggesting that he held the deeds.
Also Read: Govt Admits Title Deeds Printing Papers Were Stolen
Sonko was forced to address the allegations after it emerged that the Johnson Sakaja-led administration in Nairobi, which is almost 26 months in office, does not have title deeds for the two major Affordable Housing Projects.
This was revealed during a committee sitting of the Nairobi City County Assembly’s 12-member Planning Committee where they learnt that the county government lacks title deeds for land designated for affordable housing projects.
Built Environment and Urban Planning County Executive Committee Member, Patrick Mbogo during a meeting revealed that former Governor Mike Sonko is still in possession of the title deed for Jevanjee estate.
According to Mbogo, the Jevanjee estate title deed was entrusted to Sonko in 2018 but has not been returned following his impeachment.
The Jevanjee estate is expected to host 1,830 units, including various configurations of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes.
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