Mombasa County has suspended construction at the Buxton Point housing development.
The county says construction must stop until the developer meets outstanding commitments and officials reach an agreement with the national government.
Mombasa County has suspended construction at the Buxton housing project, citing unmet obligations by the developer. The county says the outstanding commitments concern its agreement with the developer and promises to former estate residents.
Mohamed Hussein, the county executive for Lands, Urban Planning and Housing, announced the immediate stoppage. He said work would remain suspended until officials resolved the outstanding issues and reached an agreement with the national government.
Hussein also said he would write a formal letter halting construction. The decision renews a dispute over the county’s share of the development and commitments to displaced families.
County seeks its share of Buxton housing project
The redevelopment brings together the Mombasa County Government and private investors led by businessman Suleiman Shahbal through GulfCap Africa Investment Partners. The partnership began under former governor Hassan Joho.
Under the arrangements cited by the county, it should receive 10 per cent of the housing units and commercial spaces. County correspondence to the developer in September 2026 raised concerns about allocating and transferring that share. It also addressed performance security and other outstanding obligations.
Government housing project information lists 1,850 units, ranging from bedsitters to three-bedroom apartments. Plans also include a kindergarten, commercial centre, swimming pool, gym and recreational spaces.
The project aims to replace the old Buxton Estate with modern affordable apartments. However, disputes over resettlement and commitments under the joint venture have continued to trouble the redevelopment.
Former tenants seek clarity on return
The redevelopment displaced 522 tenants from the old estate on March 5, 2021. Each received Sh240,000 to support relocation, alongside an opportunity to buy a home in the new development.
However, some former residents say they cannot afford the new houses. Others have questioned when they will be able to return to the estate.
The Senate’s Roads and Housing Committee also held a consultative meeting with former Buxton residents in 2025. Residents raised concerns about transparency in the joint venture and delays in implementing recommendations meant to protect their interests.
During that meeting, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir pledged to ensure former residents received the 184 units allocated to the county. He said this would follow the developer’s handover of the houses.
Meanwhile, the construction suspension could delay completion and handover further, extending uncertainty for families waiting to return.
