WATAMU, Kilifi-Dec 29, 2025- Tension flared on Monday morning in Watamu, Kilifi county, after residents, environmental activists, human rights defenders and investors clashed with police while attempting to enforce a court order halting the construction of a government Affordable Housing Project.
The confrontation occurred at a public park site near the entrance of Watamu town, where the Kenya Kwanza administration is implementing an affordable housing development under President William Ruto’s flagship housing programme. Protesters said they had formally presented a court order suspending the project, but alleged that the contractor continued with construction works regardless, triggering anger among the local community.
According to residents, the court directive was issued to maintain the status quo as legal questions surrounding land use, environmental protection and public participation are considered. However, witnesses said police moved in to block demonstrators from accessing the site, leading to a standoff and sporadic scuffles.
“We are not opposing affordable housing,” said one resident. “We are opposing the location. This project should not be in the middle of Watamu town and on public green space.”
The project has faced sustained opposition from the local community, conservationists and tourism investors, who argue that the site is a public park and an important environmental and social space in a town whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism.
Critics have called on the government to relocate the project to alternative areas outside the town centre. Activists also accuse authorities of failing to conduct adequate public participation and environmental assessments before rolling out the project, claims that form part of the ongoing court case.
Police maintained a heavy presence at the site, preventing protesters from disrupting construction activities. By midday, work at the site had slowed amid heightened security, though it remained unclear whether construction had fully stopped.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.
The Watamu dispute has become one of the most visible flashpoints in the national debate over Kenya’s affordable housing programme, raising broader questions about land use, environmental conservation, respect for court orders and the balance between development and community rights
