Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has instructed the land department to repossess all grabbed public land to pave way for the County’s infrastructure development.
Governor Natembeya issued the directive when he visited several parcels of land earmarked for reclamation within Kitale town and its outskirts.
He was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Mrs. Janerose Mutama and a team of land surveyors.
“Official records at the land’s ministry indicate Trans Nzoia County as leading with thousands of acres under illegal possession by individuals and private developers,” remarked Natembeya while addressing members of the press.
The governor attributed inadequate space for infrastructure development to what he described as the slow pace of growth of Kitale town and other major towns in the county.
The County Chief cited construction of low cost housing units, a maize milling plant and expansion of existing public facilities, including government offices, schools and hospitals as one of the key reasons his administration wants all grabbed public land reclaimed.
He, in addition, directed the lands department to stop renewal of land leases that have expired.
Speaking at the event, Mutama advised members of the public interested in buying portions of land in the county to ensure they follow the due process.
“Due to failure to follow the due land buying process, several unsuspecting land buyers have fallen victims of a very intricate ring of rogue land brokers,” lamented Mutama who urged the public to report any cases of land buying fraud to relevant authorities.
By Ngeywa Mosobin
