This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
On May 24, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta's 'Big Four Agenda' was touted as a game-changer for Kenya's development. The agenda aimed to provide affordable housing, among other things. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
Evictions have become a norm in Kenya, with families being forced out of their homes in the middle of a pandemic. The government's actions are a stark contrast to the promises made under the 'Big Four Agenda.'
One of the most affected areas is Nairobi, where evictions have been ongoing. The residents of Kariobangi North and Ruai have been forced out of their homes, leaving them without a place to call their own. The situation is not unique to Nairobi, as Mombasa has also seen its fair share of evictions.
The evictees have lived in those areas for more than 50 years, building a lifetime of memories and strong community bonds. However, the government's actions have left them without a home or a means to rebuild elsewhere.
The 'adverse possession' rule, which grants automatic legal ownership to individuals who have occupied land for a long time, has been overlooked in these cases. Even if the government had not known about the land, it should have provided alternative places for the evictees to establish homes.
The government's behavior has been described as 'narcissistic' and 'cruel.' The evictions have left families without a place to live, and the government's actions have been seen as a betrayal of the trust placed in it.
The affordable housing pillar of the 'Big Four Agenda' now rings hollow in the face of these evictions. The government's actions have exposed its character of impunity, and the rule of law has been vitiated.
