Individuals, developers and contractors in Eldoret Municipality have been cautioned against developing on any land without clearly ascertaining documentation on who it belongs to through the County Department of Lands.
This follows concerns over rising cases of private developers setting up structures on public land, especially within residential estates.
According to Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development Julius Koech and Eldoret Municipality Board Chairperson Julius Korir, children’s playgrounds have been the most affected.
The county has since moved into action in a bid to safeguard all public land within the Municipality and beyond.
“We are giving a warning to anyone trying to grab public land that we are vigilant and we shall protect all public property within the County,” noted Kitur.
“It’s now becoming a habit of illegal developers creating a tense environment to scare off our Development Control Officers and enforcement officers from performing their duties so that they can continue developing on public land illegally,” he added.
On his part, Lands Chief Officer warned that anyone found engaging in unauthorised construction in Government land or a land with an ongoing dispute, will face the law.
“Before undertaking any construction works, its important to clarify and confirm land ownership documents from us so that we don’t get into a clash,” Koech said.
Space for recreation
Further, Eldoret Municipality Manager Tito Koiyet gave his assurance to the public that all property within the Municipality boundaries will be safeguarded.
“Right now we need space for recreation. Children’s playgrounds are important and the open spaces provide the breathing space for the city. These spaces are very important for the future growth of the city,” Koiyet said.
The trio spoke at Elgon View Estat on Tuesday after enforcement officers led by Steve Mutwor, stopped the constructions in a parcel of land that had been earmarked as a children’s playground.
