Residents of the upmarket Runda estate in Nairobi have expressed opposition to the development of a multi-billion shilling luxury hotel associated with businessman Ahmed Jibril, brother of Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohammed.
According to officials of the Runda Association, the proposed 200-bed hotel and conference facility breaches security and controlled development requirements.
Runda Association chairman Isaac Gitoho stated in a letter to Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, Nema director-general Geoffrey Wahungu, and Kenya Urban Roads Authority general manager John Mwatu that the development is located in a gated residential community and the amalgamation and change of user are against zoning restrictions.
Concerns Over Amalgamation and Change of User ¶
Ahmed Jibril purchased 18 plots, seeking amalgamation of 15 plots and a change of user from residential to commercial. The residents' association claims this negates planning regulations, compromises security, and will contribute to groundwater pollution and road degradation.
Paddock Investments, the company behind the development, plans to build the hotel and conference center targeting business tourists and diplomats. The company's directors include Amina Mulik Ali, ARJ Capital Limited, Sudhir Jayantilal Patel, and Billow A. Kerrow.
County Government Approval and Resident Opposition ¶
Despite the Nairobi county government clearing the development, Runda residents maintain their opposition, questioning the approval process for the amalgamation of plots and change of user.
Former anti-graft chief PLO Lumumba, a resident, called for the county government to stop the construction, citing concerns over security and the character of the neighborhood.
Ahmed Jibril, however, maintains that the investment is above board and will not breach set standards. He also disassociated Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohammed from his investment activities.
Divisions Among Residents ¶
A separate residential association, Mae Ridge Home Owners Association, has welcomed the development, contrary to the Runda Association's stance. The association, headed by Vivo Energy managing director Polycarp Igathe, stated that they do not object to the development after consulting among themselves.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
