Residents of Kilifi County have raised strong concerns over a proposed affordable housing project planned for Watamu Public Park, saying the development could damage one of the few remaining green spaces in the area and harm tourism.
The concerns were shared during a public forum held on Saturday to discuss the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.At the meeting, some residents said they initially welcomed the idea of affordable housing because many people in the area struggle to own decent homes.
However, their support quickly turned into disappointment after learning that the project would be built inside a forested public park in Watamu.
Many described the location as environmentally sensitive and important to the town’s identity.
One resident explained how their view changed after understanding the details of the plan.
They said they were happy when they first heard the government wanted to help people access affordable homes. That excitement faded when they realised the project would take over the town’s main public park.
According to the resident, the park is full of trees and is the only remaining green space of its kind in Watamu.
It offers shade, space for taxis to park, and a quiet place where residents and visitors can relax.Watamu Public Park is well known for its Neem trees that have stood there for decades.
These trees form a natural canopy that cools the area and adds to the town’s beauty. Conservationists attending the forum warned that cutting down the trees to put up concrete buildings would destroy an ecosystem that cannot be replaced.
They said once the trees are gone, the loss would be permanent for both current and future generations.Long-time investors in Watamu also shared their worries.
One business owner who has worked in the area for more than 35 years said the park is the first thing many visitors see when they arrive in the resort town.
They described it as the focal point of Watamu and said it would be painful to see it replaced by large housing blocks. According to the investor, tourists come expecting a peaceful beach holiday surrounded by nature, and seeing tall flats at the entrance of the town could hurt that experience and damage the local tourism economy.
Residents are now calling on the government to identify other parcels of land within Kilifi County where affordable housing can be built without destroying public parks.
They stressed that they are not against development but want it done in a way that protects the environment. Many locals depend on tourism for their livelihoods and believe that preserving green spaces is key to their survival.
The government continues to push reforms aimed at making housing more accessible to low-income earners. One major change is the removal of the mandatory deposit requirement for applicants earning Sh20,000 or less. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the deposit has been a major barrier for many people who can manage monthly payments but struggle to raise a lump sum.Under the new rules, eligible applicants in both formal and informal jobs will no longer need to pay an upfront deposit when applying for houses under the Affordable Housing Programme.
The government hopes this move will help more low-income Kenyans achieve homeownership while discussions continue on where such projects should be located.
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