It’s a relief for Siana group ranch members after the court dismissed a six-year-old case that had barred the community members from developing their land that is adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The group ranch chairman Kilesi Ole Sayianton praised the judgement rendered by Environment and Lands Court (ELC) Judge Justice Charles Mbogo, who allowed the community members to be issued with the title deeds of their 161, 000 hectares’ piece of land.
Siana ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Moses Ole Sikona had moved to court after he was dissatisfied with the manner in which the group ranch officials had divided the plots in the market place.
He had petitioned the ELC court to suspend the issuance of the title deeds to individual members until the issue was fully settled.
However, the court dismissed the case in its entirety citing lack of merit as by the time of petitioning, the group ranch had ceased to exist as an entity because the individual title deeds had been issued.
Ole Sayianton welcomed both foreign and local investors to invest on the land that is very rich in wildlife and tourism activities.
“Some of our title deeds were held in court and we were barred from doing any development on the land until the case was concluded. Today, we are celebrating the court’s decision to give us what is rightfully ours,” he said.
He called on his members to continue embracing a peaceful coexistence so as to attract more foreign tourists in the area.
The ranch’s advocate Martin Ole Kamwaro said the case had been filed in the year 2019 adding the judgement was a big win to the people who have patiently waited for the court’s decision.
“By the time the petitioners were moving to court, the Siana group ranch had ceased to exist as an entity because the title deeds had been issued. This, I believe, was the strong reason why the case was dismissed,” said the advocate.
Kamwaro encouraged investors and tourists to continue visiting the area as it was one of the best sites outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
He assured the residents that no public utility had been lost as all land meant for public use was properly allocated.
One of the Siana Group Ranch Board Members Ole Sururu said the court’s decision was a big win for the people as they would do meaningful business on their land.
“We thank our courts for upholding justice and hearing the cry of the people. Today we celebrate a big victory after waiting for six years,” said Ole Sururu.
By Ann Salaton
