Taqwa Sacco members say they have paid Sh387 million for 200 apartments as Nairobi County Assembly seeks answers on stalled development

Members of Taqwa Sacco who have committed about Sh387 million towards the purchase of apartments in the stalled Jeevanjee Housing Project in Nairobi have raised concerns over the fate of their investment.

The housing development, which was launched about seven years ago, remains incomplete, with buyers now calling for clarity on its construction status, finances and plans for completion.

The investors appeared before the Nairobi City County Assembly Planning and Housing Committee, where they raised concerns over funds paid towards the project and the continued delays in handing over the houses.

Through their representatives, the beneficiaries asked the committee to establish the current status of the project, account for funds already paid by buyers and provide a clear roadmap for completion and handover.

Taqwa Sacco entered into an arrangement to acquire 200 two- and three-bedroom apartments for its members. The Sacco says its members have so far remitted approximately Sh387 million out of the Sh600 million required for the allocated units.

Members stopped making further payments after construction stalled in 2022, saying the decision was intended to allow the project to resume before additional contributions were made.

Taqwa Sacco Chief Executive Officer Dunia Jarso Abdi told the committee that the Sacco had acted as an agent for investors who have raised concerns over the stalled development.

“For many of the beneficiaries, the investment represents years of savings and, in some cases, money borrowed specifically to secure a home,” she said.

Buyers Question Repeated Completion Dates

The project was initiated under the Affordable Housing Programme, with Nairobi Bachelors Jeevanjee Estate Limited allocated LR No. 209/5458 in 2019 for development of the housing project.

However, construction has been affected by delays and disputes, leaving prospective homeowners uncertain about when they will receive their units.

Imani Hamisi, a beneficiary and secretary of the Jeevanjee Housing Project, said several completion dates had been communicated to investors over the years without the houses being handed over.

She told the committee that the dates given included October 2022, August and October 2024, May 2025 for two towers, June 2025, November 2025 and April 2026.

The beneficiaries said explanations for the delays had at different times included the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as delays in the delivery or clearance of doors, windows and other fittings.

The repeated delays have heightened concerns among buyers over the security of their payments.

“We have waited for many years and remained patient despite repeated delays. We now need transparency, accountability and a clear explanation of what is happening to our investment,” said Tatusi Issa Kioko, a Sacco member.

Questions Over Financing Arrangements

The concerns have also brought renewed attention to the financing and ownership arrangements surrounding the Jeevanjee project.

The Nairobi City County Assembly has previously raised questions over the use of title LR No. 209/5458 in financing arrangements linked to the development.

There have also been concerns raised by county legislators over an alleged Sh1.9 billion facility secured against the property.

The beneficiaries say the questions surrounding the property’s financing make it important for the parties involved to provide a comprehensive account of the project’s financial arrangements, construction status, outstanding works and obligations to purchasers.

They are particularly seeking clarification on whether the money already paid remains secured and how construction can resume without exposing homeowners to further financial losses.

Committee Summons Stakeholders

The investors have urged the Housing Committee to bring together Nairobi County officials, the developer, financiers, Taqwa Sacco and representatives of affected buyers to establish the facts and agree on a practical completion plan.

Committee chairperson Geoffrey Majiwa acknowledged the concerns and said the matter required intervention.

He said the committee would summon the developer and other relevant stakeholders to provide information and clarify the status of the project.

For the buyers, the intervention comes as they seek answers over an investment that was intended to secure homes but remains tied up in a development that has yet to be completed.