A task force on land on Monday, June 13, 2022, began its two weeks-long inquiry to ascertain and repossess all grabbed public lands in Trans Nzoia county with the view of creating space for development.
The exercise is being done through public participation and seeks relevant information from residents on which public lands are possessed by private individuals under fraudulent procedures so that public amenities can be established.
Residents of Matisi and Tuwan wards in Saboti Sub County had the chance to air their views on the first day of the exercise held at the Matisi chief’s office and Social Hall in Kitale respectively.
Among the issues raised by the residents is the grabbing of public lands meant for the construction of schools, hospitals, playgrounds as well as roads by influential people – some of who served in the previous governments.
Grabbed lands, the locals pointed out, have been put into private use with mushrooming storied buildings while others have established churches but can either not account for how they acquired the parcels or have fake titles.
However, they exuded confidence in the task force noting that they have all the required evidence that would help oust them so that they can pave way for the establishment of public amenities.
The task force chairman Habiud Wasike and the vice-chair Margaret Koko assured residents that they will finally get justice as all grabbed public lands will be repossessed for the development of facilities that will be used by the general public.
On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the task force will hold public participation exercise at Naisambu cattle dip in the Hospital ward and the ward administrator’s office in Bidii ward to get their views on matters of public land.
The exercise will also be held at Kiminini catholic church and Waitaluk Friends church, Sirende on June 20, 2022, Birunda police camp and Machewa polytechnic on June 21, and Kwanza polytechnic besides Namanjalala market on June 22.
