Nairobi County has escalated measures against contractors handling essential infrastructure in Kayole Soweto, Kahawa Soweto, Embakasi, and Matopeni after reports showed that Lot 1 projects had reached only 27.3 per cent completion, far below the expected 98 per cent target.
The issue was addressed in a meeting chaired by Godfrey Akumali, Acting County Secretary and Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Renewal, with representatives from the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) National Team present to evaluate stalled development work.
“The current state of Lot 1 is unacceptable. We will not compromise on the quality or speed of delivery promised to the people of Nairobi,” declared Akumali.
Following the review, contractors received non-performance notices demanding immediate action. They have been instructed to accelerate work by February 3, 2026, ensure payment of five months of backlogged wages, and rectify all safety hazards on-site without delay.
Attention was also drawn to Phase 2 projects in Majengo, Huruma, and Mathare, which are only 1.5 per cent complete. Because of repeated delays despite prior warnings issued in late 2025, a termination notice will be issued by January 30, 2026.
“Governor Sakaja’s administration will not tolerate contractors who jeopardise the safety and development of our informal settlements,” said Akumali, who also leads the Nairobi County Project Coordination Team.
“We are committed to either salvaging these projects or reassigning them to partners who share our vision for Order and Dignity for all Nairobians.”
County officials emphasised that the decisive actions are aimed at ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, meet safety standards, and fulfil the expectations of residents who rely on upgraded infrastructure in informal settlements.