The Senate Committee on Lands, Environment and National Resources has called on the National Lands Commission (NLC) to address the delayed allocation of alternative land to Mwabundusi squatters in Bobaracho Ward in Kisii County.
The Committee, led by Senator Karen Nyamu, visited Kisii county following a petition by representatives of the land squatters regarding the land occupied by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
Speaking after a site visit and consultative session with the squatters in Kisii Central Sub-County, Senator Nyamu said they were on a fact-finding mission regarding the delay on allocating the squatters alternative land after the alienation of their ancestral land for the construction of the institution.
“We have listened to the issues raised by the relevant parties and we are going to have a sitting with the NLC and Agriculture Ministry so that we have a conclusive decision,” she affirmed.
The Senator added they are keen on ensuring that they address the concerns highlighted by the community noting that NLC will be required to shed more light on the matters raised.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango decried the living conditions of the settlers saying that most of them live close to the river banks and the human activities there pose a threat to the nearby water source.
According to him, both the community and KALRO did not have a title deed of the land in question and therefore, the parcel of land belonged to the government, and by extension its citizens.
Murango noted the settlers lacked access to basic amenities such as roads and other infrastructure due to the tussle between the institution and the community.
Further, he faulted the NLC for failing to resolve the land issue in the area adding that they will summon all the relevant parties to answer the questions raised by the squatters.
“As Senate, we always put the needs of the citizens first and will ensure we find a way forward so that the people of Mwabundusi can get justice,” concluded Murango.
Similarly, his Murang’a counterpart Joe Nyutu urged the government to resettle the squatters living near the river banks saying that heavy rains could wash away the inhabitants of that region.
According to Nyutu, the petitioners had informed them that the KALRO station had been moved from Sotik and the center there no longer existed.
“Therefore, we are calling on the government to see to it that the land in Sotik is allocated to the inhabitants of this place,” said Nyutu.
The Senator noted they will invite the relevant parties to present their documents to the Committee within 14 days so that they are able to make recommendations and deliver a solution for the people in the next two months.
The squatters, led by the lead petitioner Philip Ndubi, expressed their optimism during the visit adding that they hope the Senate will deliver a good judgement.
In May 2024, the petitioners tabled their concerns to the Senate Committee on Lands requesting them to allocate the squatters alternative land after their ancestral land was acquired to construct KALRO.
By Mercy Osongo
