By Tobby Kalume Karisa & Dorris Moraa | May 30, 2026
Residents of the National Housing Estate in Changamwe, Mombasa County, have taken to the streets to protest a government eviction notice requiring them to vacate their homes within 30 days, arguing that the process is unfair, unlawful, and leaves hundreds of families facing an uncertain future.
The notice, which takes effect on June 1, requires all residents to leave the housing estate by June 30. However, residents say the timeline is too short and does not give them enough time to secure alternative accommodation, especially amid the rising cost of living and housing shortages in Mombasa.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans during the demonstrations, the residents accused the government of disregarding their welfare and failing to engage them before issuing the eviction directive. They also questioned the legality of the notice, claiming it did not follow the proper procedures required when relocating tenants from public housing.
Speaking during the protest, residents’ leader Dominic Miguna said those affected were shocked by the notice and are now living in fear of being rendered homeless.
Miguna claimed that residents were initially expected to receive the notice on May 12 but only received it on May 14, reducing the already limited time available for them to prepare for relocation.
“We were given a very short period to leave these houses. It is unfair to evict residents when there is no visible progress on the Affordable Housing project that is being cited as the reason for our removal. Families need time to plan, find alternative housing, and move with dignity,” he said.
He further called on Principal Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga to intervene and suspend the eviction process until meaningful consultations are held between the government and the affected residents.
“We are appealing to Principal Secretary Charles Hinga to listen to our concerns and find a solution that protects residents. Many families will suffer if this eviction goes on as planned,” Miguna added.
Residents say one of their biggest concerns is the lack of information regarding where they are expected to relocate once they leave the estate. They argue that despite repeated requests for clarification, no alternative housing arrangements have been communicated to them.
Among those expressing concern was Evans Njoro, who has lived at the National Housing Estate for four decades. Njoro said the estate’s residents have faced repeated threats of eviction over the years and feel neglected by the authorities.
“National Housing has become used to telling residents to leave. Some people are being accused of having rent arrears, but even those willing to settle any outstanding payments have not been told where they will go after vacating these houses,” he said.
Njoro noted that many families have lived in the estate for decades and have built their lives, businesses, and social networks around the community. He warned that a sudden eviction would disrupt livelihoods and affect vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
Another resident, Mama Kemsa AbdulRahman, criticized the government’s handling of the matter, saying the notice period was insufficient and placed unnecessary pressure on families already struggling with economic challenges.
“The time given is too short. We are being told to continue supporting the government, yet the same citizens are being subjected to hardship. People need time and respect when decisions like this are made,” she said.
The demonstrations drew attention from members of the public, with residents insisting that they are not opposed to development projects but want a transparent process that safeguards their rights and welfare.
The protesters are now demanding the suspension of the eviction exercise, an extension of the notice period, and direct engagement with government officials to establish a clear relocation plan for all affected families.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, uncertainty continues to hang over the National Housing Estate, with residents anxiously waiting to see whether the government will respond to their concerns or proceed with the planned evictions.
