Imagine a billion shillings worth of public land, spanning over 800 acres, snatched away from the people it was meant to serve. That's the shocking reality Kirinyaga County recently faced. But here's the good news: they're fighting back. In a bold move, the county government has successfully reclaimed this stolen land, valued at a staggering Sh1 billion. This isn't just about numbers; it's about reclaiming the future of Kirinyaga's communities.
County officials, including Lands CEC Samwel Kajombe, Chief Officer Fredrick Bundi, Director of Physical Planning Daniel Muraguri, and County Land Surveyor Stephen Wambugu, recently inspected a two-acre plot within the recovered land, originally designated for the Kutus Bus Park. This is just a glimpse into the larger battle being waged.
The county government asserts that this prime land, strategically located in major towns, was originally earmarked for public good by the now-defunct local authorities. Think hospitals, schools, police stations, markets – essential services that were meant to benefit everyone. But somehow, these parcels ended up in private hands, depriving citizens of their rightful resources.
Governor Anne Waiguru is leading the charge, vowing to continue the fight to reclaim every inch of public land acquired through irregular means. She urges those still occupying such land to surrender it voluntarily, emphasizing the collective good it serves.
And this is the part most people miss: Waiguru highlights the far-reaching consequences of land grabbing. It's not just about physical space; it's about disrupting development plans for roads, affordable housing, and public utilities. It's about denying communities access to essential services and hindering economic growth.
But here's where it gets controversial: The county is currently embroiled in several court battles to reclaim land parcels, including those designated for the Gichugu Law Court, Kianyaga Police Station, and a massive 700-acre plot in South Ngariama intended for government offices, schools, and other public facilities. Some argue that these disputes highlight the complexities of land ownership and historical injustices.
Is it always clear-cut who the rightful owner is? What happens when individuals claim they were compensated unfairly or were unaware of the land's public designation? These are questions that spark debate and require careful consideration.
The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has praised Waiguru's initiative after the county helped them reclaim land they were evicted from in 2013. This success story demonstrates the positive impact of these efforts on communities.
One of the most significant victories is the recovery of 242 acres where the Sagana Industrial Park is now under construction. Governor Waiguru's determination, leading multiple delegations to court, ensured this land was returned to the people of Kirinyaga, paving the way for industrial growth.
Waiguru stresses that these efforts are not politically motivated. Her focus, she says, is solely on ensuring the people of Kirinyaga benefit from development. She also highlights the environmental benefits of protecting public land, which often includes forests, wetlands, and water catchment areas crucial for biodiversity and natural resource conservation.
Properly managed public land, Waiguru argues, attracts investment, supports agriculture, housing, and industry, ultimately boosting the local economy. The Sagana Industrial Park is a testament to this – a project that wouldn't have been possible without the successful land recovery.
Other reclaimed parcels include land for affordable housing, a clothing market, a bus park, a rice research center, a stadium, and MCA offices, showcasing the diverse benefits of these efforts.
Kirinyaga's fight for its land is a story of resilience and a commitment to the public good. It raises important questions about land ownership, justice, and the role of government in safeguarding community resources. What do you think? Is Kirinyaga County on the right track? How can we ensure fair and equitable land distribution for future generations? Let's continue the conversation in the comments.
