Kitengela residents oppose stadium land excision for affordable housing project

"It is very sad that our youths are facing threats of eviction to pave the way for the affordable housing project on the only remaining playground in Kitengela," said Kanchori.

The demonstration came a day after a Chinese contractor was seen surveying the site. The contractor claimed to have been sent by a senior government official to assess a 10-hectare piece of land for the project.

"Immediately we establish that it is a government plan to take away the piece of land from the community, we will move to court and stop it. We will not accept that at all," said Kanchori.

He added: "For many years this piece of land has been used as a public utility by the residents, especially the youths, for social activities. The government should find alternative land to construct the houses."

Football Kenya Federation Kajiado County Vice Chairman Julia Kirotie condemned the plan, describing the stadium as the heart of the community.

"Kitengela Roadblock Stadium is more than just a patch of land. It is where friendships are built, skills are honed, and generations come together to share the joy of sport and recreation. The proposed housing project threatens to erase this vital space, stripping sportsmen and women of a place that fosters health, unity, and opportunity for all," said Kirotie.

He added: "We recognise the need for housing, but not at the cost of losing a space that contributes to the physical and mental well-being of the community. Fields like Roadblock offer young people a safe, positive environment to grow and thrive."

Kirotie urged the government to explore alternative locations that meet the housing needs without destroying public spaces.

Edwin Okoth, a sports stakeholder in Kajiado County, said the government should invest in identifying talents to address youth unemployment and social ills.

"We stand against the plan to take away the stadium and refuse to bow to their commands. We shall and will keep protecting what we believe in. Forget about that housing programme and channel those funds into identifying talents that will employ the youths and reduce unemployment, drug abuse, and insecurity," said Okoth.

Kajiado County Government Executive Committee Member Hamilton Parseina did not respond to requests for comment.