Runda residents protest land dispute
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, residents of Runda took to the streets to voice their opposition against a proposed luxury housing development on public land.
They raised serious concerns about potential environmental damage and the impact on community interests.
The peaceful protest saw dozens of locals rallying together, united in their determination to prevent the transformation of land that was originally meant for communal use into private estates.
Chris Getonga, the chairman of the Runda Residents Association, shared that the eight-acre plot, found on Land Reference No. 7785/1303 along Andrew Zagoritis Road, was designated for educational and community use back in 1977. This allocation came after the land was transferred by Mae Properties Limited, the estate’s original developer.
“Private developers now want to turn this land into a USD48 million luxury housing project with 16 high-end units, each valued between Ksh256 million (USD 2 million) and Ksh460.8 million (USD 3.6 million),” Getonga said. “This threatens public interest and the environment and ignores the land’s original purpose.”
Residents also raised concerns about the Runda Basin, part of the disputed site, which serves as a key stormwater retention area.
According to locals, recent backfilling and earthworks have disrupted natural drainage, putting nearby homes along Benin Drive and Eliud Mathu Road at risk of flooding and soil erosion.
“The Runda Basin protects our homes from flooding. Interfering with it could cause serious damage,” said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters.
The protesters urged the Nairobi City County Government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to stop the construction, look into land ownership, and make sure the land is returned for public and community use.
Karura Member of County Assembly (MCA) Fiu Nifiu emphasized the need for quick action.
“Restoring this land for community use will send a strong signal against land grabbing and uphold public interest in Nairobi,” he said.
Residents vowed to continue their peaceful protests until the site is secured and environmental protections are fully enforced.
Runda residents protest land dispute
