Runda Residents Protest To Safeguard Public Land

Runda residents have staged a peaceful protest to oppose the controversial development of Cartier Villas by Nanchong, a proposed luxury housing project on Land Reference No. 7785/1303 along Andrew Zagoritis Road.

According to Runda Residents Association Chairman, Chris Getonga, the eight-acre parcel was originally set aside for educational and community use in 1977, when Mae Properties Ltd, the original developer of Runda Estate, surrendered it to the government.

“Today, private developers are attempting to convert this public land into a USD 48 million luxury housing scheme with 16 units, each priced between USD 2 million and USD 3.6 million,” said Getonga, adding “This project undermines public interest, threatens the environment, and is rooted in historical irregularities.”

Runda residents stage a peaceful protest to oppose the controversial development of Cartier Villas by Nanchong, a proposed luxury housing project. /PHOTO

The disputed land, part of the Runda Basin, has allegedly been illegally backfilled and converted to pave the way for construction.

The basin serves as a critical stormwater retention area for Runda, and experts warn that development in the area could worsen flooding and environmental degradation.

Residents claim that the dumping of soil on the site in 2024 disrupted natural drainage systems, leading to flooding, soil erosion, and property damage along Benin Drive and Eliud Mathu Road.

“This development is not only illegal but dangerous. The Runda Basin acts as our natural water retention area — destroying it threatens the entire neighborhood,” said Judy Kerubo, one of the protesters.

The demonstration, organized under the banner #SaveRundaBasin, drew members of the Runda Residents Association and the Karura Ward community, who accused the developer of environmental degradation, unlawful change of user, and encroachment on public land.

The residents are calling on the Nairobi City County Government, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to:

• Immediately halt all ongoing works at the site;
• Investigate the land’s ownership and environmental compliance; and
• Revoke any irregular approvals issued to the developer.

Karura MCA Fiu Nifiu urged authorities to act swiftly, saying: “Restoring this land to its original public use for education and community purposes will set a landmark precedent in defending public interest and ending the cycle of land grabbing in Nairobi.”

Residents vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until authorities protect public land and uphold environmental justice.