Residents of Nyayo Estate in Embakasi are preparing for another peaceful demonstration over allegations that public land meant for community use has been grabbed or unlawfully allocated.
The Nyayo Embakasi Residents Association (NERA) has announced that the protest will take place on Friday, August 14, as residents push for answers over the alleged loss of open spaces, recreational grounds and other public utility areas within the estate.
The residents say they are concerned about developments taking place on land they believe was reserved for community use.
They want the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to explain how the disputed land was allocated and why construction has reportedly started on the site.The planned demonstration follows an earlier attempt by residents to protest on August 6.
According to NERA, the protest was disrupted after police arrested nine youths who were taking part in the demonstration.
The association said the youths were later released without conditions following intervention by residents and other concerned parties.
NERA said the decision to demonstrate was reached during a public baraza held at the association’s grounds on August 2.
Residents agreed to raise their concerns peacefully and demand action over what they described as the alleged grabbing or unlawful allocation of open spaces within Nyayo Estate.
The residents later went to the NSSF headquarters in Nairobi on August 6 to demand answers from the institution. They said a perimeter wall around the disputed piece of land had been demolished nearly two years ago, raising concerns over the ownership and future use of the space.
According to the residents, construction activities have recently resumed at the site without adequate communication to the community.
They further claimed that attempts to access the land and establish what was being built were unsuccessful after they were denied entry.
The residents are now demanding that NSSF restore the demolished perimeter wall, stop the ongoing construction and provide adequate security around the disputed property.
They also want clarification on the status of the land and whether it was legally allocated for development.
NERA has urged residents to attend the August 14 demonstration in large numbers, saying the protest is intended to protect community spaces for both current residents and future generations.
The dispute has also drawn the attention of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has publicly backed the residents’ concerns. He accused NSSF of being involved in the alleged sale and allocation of public utility land in Nyayo Estate and Tassia.
Babu said public utility land should remain available for community use and should not be fenced off, sold or converted for private benefit.
He pointed out that such spaces are important for schools, recreation, drainage, roads and other facilities that support residents.
“We will stand with the residents and defend their rights. Nyayo Estate is for the people, and its public spaces must remain for the people,” Babu said.
The residents’ planned demonstration is therefore expected to put further pressure on NSSF to address the allegations and explain the developments taking place on the disputed land.
The residents maintain that their main concern is the preservation of public spaces and ensuring that community facilities are not lost without proper consultation or explanation.
