Nairobi — The Environment and Land Court has issued conservatory orders halting the construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang'ata, pending determination of a petition challenging the development.
In orders issued on December 11, 2025, a three-judge bench comprising Justices O.A. Angote, Christine A. Ochieng and Charles G. Mbogo stayed ongoing construction works on the project, citing the need to preserve the status quo until the court rules on a pending application.
The orders were issued in a case filed by activist Okiya Omtatah Okoiti against the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and other respondents.
The project, officially listed as Contract No. MLPWHUD/SDHUD/SUD/382/2023-2024 covering Lots 1 to 5, involves the construction of social housing and related infrastructure in Southlands, Lang'ata Constituency, Nairobi County.
Pending the ruling on Omtatah's Notice of Motion dated July 4, 2025, the court directed the 1st to 7th respondents to file and serve a further affidavit and submissions within 14 days, while the 8th respondent was ordered to file submissions within the same period.
The petitioners and interested parties were also granted 14 days to file responses after service.
The court scheduled the ruling on the application for February 5, 2026.
Justice Mbogo, who signed the orders, warned that any disobedience of the court directive would attract penal consequences.
