Residents of Kiambu Township Ward have intensified calls for government intervention over claims that public land occupied by Administration Police (AP) officers at Indian Bazaar has been incorporated into an ongoing Affordable Housing Project without adequate public consultation or legal disclosure.
The concerns have prompted local leaders, church officials, and community members to submit a formal petition to the National Land Commission, the County Government of Kiambu, and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development seeking investigations into the disputed land.
At the centre of the controversy is a church and nursery school situated within the AP camp, whose leaders say they have been informed that the facilities may be demolished to pave way for the housing development.
Speaking to the press, Reverend Damiano Mungai, who leads the church located on the AP grounds, said the congregation was verbally instructed to vacate the premises despite not receiving any official notice.
The pastor noted that the church has served the community for more than three decades and is attended by police officers and residents from surrounding neighbourhoods. He added that the nursery school operating within the compound primarily serves children of security officers and nearby families.
According to Rev. Mungai, representatives linked to the housing project proposed that the church and school relocate to another section of the AP camp, a suggestion he said would disrupt long-established community services.
“We were informed that the church could be brought down, yet no formal communication has been issued. This institution has existed here for over 35 years and remains an important part of the lives of many families,” he said.
The church leadership also expressed concerns that construction activities associated with the housing project have already affected sections of the nursery school’s compound, raising fears about the safety of learners.
Former Kiambu Township Ward MCA James ManNjenga joined residents in questioning the scope of the project, arguing that the public deserves full disclosure regarding the land earmarked for development.
While affirming support for the national affordable housing agenda, ManNjenga said residents were concerned that the project may have expanded beyond the acreage initially discussed during public participation forums.
“We are not opposed to development. Our concern is whether all legal requirements, including planning approvals, surveys, and public participation, have been adhered to before public land is converted for another use,” he stated.
ManNjenga further urged government agencies to release all relevant documents relating to the project, including approved development plans, survey maps, environmental assessments, and land ownership records.
The petition submitted by residents seeks answers on whether the land occupied by Administration Police officers was officially allocated to the housing programme and whether proper procedures were followed before its inclusion in the project.
Among the key issues raised are the exact acreage approved for the Affordable Housing Project, the existence of change-of-user approvals, the involvement of the National Land Commission in any land reallocation process, and whether adequate consultations were conducted with affected stakeholders.
The petitioners have also questioned whether alternative accommodation arrangements have been made for officers who may be displaced by the development.
To establish the true boundaries of the project, residents are calling for an independent survey involving the National Land Commission, Kiambu County Government, and the Ministry of Housing.
They have further requested a temporary suspension of any demolition or construction activities on the contested land until investigations are completed and the public is provided with comprehensive information regarding the project.
The petition argues that the matter is of significant public interest as it touches on the protection of public land, security infrastructure, transparency in government projects, and compliance with constitutional requirements on public participation.
Copies of the petition have also been forwarded to the Kiambu County Commissioner and the Kiambu County Police Commander for action.
As authorities review the concerns raised, residents, church members, and police families say they remain hopeful that the dispute will be resolved through dialogue, transparency, and adherence to the law.
