The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) announced that members of the public may submit oral or written comments on five Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports for a proposed 7,128‑unit affordable and social housing development in Southlands, Mugumo‑ini Ward, Lang’ata, Nairobi.

The project is split into five lots; four lots will each contain 1,386 units and the fifth lot will hold 1,584 units, comprising studio, one‑ to three‑bedroom social and affordable units, internal roads, water supply, shopping stalls, children’s play areas and parking.

NEMA’s notice, published in the Kenya Gazette on 23 October 2026, cites section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co‑ordination Act as the legal basis for receiving the ESIA study report for the development.

The comment period runs for 30 days from the Gazette publication date, with submissions accepted at NEMA’s Popo Road office, the Nairobi City County Director of Environment’s office, or by email to the Director‑General at dgnema@nema.go.ke.

The ESIA reports highlight potential environmental and social impacts such as dust, noise, vibration, traffic and effects on nearby residents, and propose mitigation measures including a register of affected people, grievance channels and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

The comment invitation follows a May 2026 Environment and Land Court ruling that quashed NEMA’s environmental licence issued on 16 December 2025, citing flaws in the EIA process and insufficient public participation.

The court’s decision also halted construction of the Southlands affordable housing project until the government complies with legal and environmental requirements, prompting the current ESIA review.