The long-standing land issue at the Banita Settlement Scheme in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County is finally set to be resolved.
Nakuru County Government officials today convened a meeting with leaders from seventeen villages within the scheme to initiate a tenure regularization exercise. This crucial step aims to secure land rights for residents who have occupied the land for years, often without formal titles.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development John Kihagi,, said delays in issuing titles to squatters at the Banita farm can be attributed to several factors and a complex land ownership history that has hindered the process of issuing titles.
He also noted that illegal land grabbing and corrupt practices have further complicated the land issue, and the fact that the family of the settler took loans from banks.
However, he stated that the newly formed committee, comprising both County and National Government officials, will work diligently to streamline the verification and cadastral survey processes. By adhering to the Registry Index Map (RIM), the committee aims to ensure a transparent and efficient resolution.
Residents of the area while appreciating the new committee said the issuing of tittle deeds will have a significant impact such as security of tenure, economic empowerment that will enable residents to access credit, invest in their land, and improve their livelihoods.
Apart from that, Kihagi said secure land tenure can facilitate infrastructure development, education, and healthcare services in the area.
For the Banita residents, many of whom were employees at the farm have commended the local government’s commitment to resolving this long-standing issue as a positive step towards a brighter future for them and their children.
Nakuru county is infamous for long running land disputes which have led to entangled land cases some as old as over thirty years, and in extreme cases the elected officials of such schemes have lost their lives in unexplained circumstances.
By Veronica Bosibori
