Kahawa Sukari home owners protest over construction of flats in their neighbourhood

Residents of Kahawa Sukari in Ruiru, Kiambu County are up in arms over invasion of the residential estate by developers who are putting up highrise residential structures.

The property owners are now appealing to Governor Kimani Wamatangi to put into check the ongoing developments which they say compromise security and constrain infrastructure including power, water and sewerage disposal.

Led by area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kennedy Odhiambo and their welfare association leaders, the residents told the county government to demolish the upcoming structures which are against the area's single dwelling units plan and by-laws.

Odhiambo warned that those violating the county building regulations will have their structures pulled down at the owners' cost.

He said the developers live in other areas, some abroad and others in Nairobi and declared that the structures will be marked for demolition.

Residents said they have identified at least 12 structures under construction in the area and whose approval by the county government is allegedly questionable.

The Kahawa Sukari Residents and Plot Owners Association Vice-chairman Edward Kiganjo said the area's by-laws allow only one family buildings but people were going against this with impunity

Area assistant chief Boniface Muchuku said the mushrooming of multi-dwelling structures are a recipe for a rise in crime in the area.