Jevanjee Housing Stalemate: Nairobi Assembly Moves to Confront Jabavu Village Limited

The Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee is moving to establish accountability over the stalled Jevanjee Housing Project in Ngara after a site inspection revealed that construction work had ground to a halt, leaving investors anxious about when they will occupy their homes.

Led by Planning Committee Chairman Geoffrey Majiwa, the committee expressed concern over the prolonged delays and pledged to engage Jabavu Village Limited and the county government to establish a clear roadmap for completing the project.

Majiwa said the committee would pursue the contractual obligations between the developer and the county, adding that it would convene a meeting with the relevant parties to address the concerns raised by investors.

“We understand you. What we are going to do as a committee is follow up on the contract agreement between Jabavu and the county, and we are going to ensure that we have a meeting with them. They may not be available for you, but I am sure we will get them, sit down with them and agree on when this project will be completed so that you can get your own units,” Majiwa said.

The chairman also urged investors to be prepared to clear any outstanding payments, noting that the developer had reportedly raised concerns over buyers who had not paid the full amounts due.

He cautioned that unresolved payment obligations on either side could complicate efforts to complete the project and prolong the stalemate.

The committee further raised questions over the use of the project site after observing that part of the area had been converted into a concrete production facility, prompting concerns about compliance with the contractual terms.

Zhongjiao Third Highway Engineering East Africa is the main contractor undertaking the project.

Addressing the committee, site manager Makase Manono said the developer was experiencing challenges arising from escalating contract costs, which had complicated implementation.

“I cannot speak for Jabavu, but what I know is that the developer is facing challenges arising from the escalation of costs under the contract. It would be prudent for the matter to be resolved between the developer and the contractor. We have been on the ground since day one of the project, and I must say that, as the site team, I am ready to do my part,” Manono said.

Pangani Housing Project at 80 Per Cent Completion

The committee also visited the Pangani Urban Renewal Project, where it found that construction remained incomplete despite significant progress.

The contractor has reportedly completed approximately 80 per cent of the project, with completion targeted for next year.

Following the inspections, the committee is expected to consolidate its findings and prepare a final report outlining its conclusions and recommendations on the status of the two housing projects.