MPs’ land reclamation assistance. In Kilifi North constituency, the residents have requested the assistance of the House in reclaiming their land from the family of the deceased assistant minister, John Keen.
During a fact-finding mission, Nimrod Mbai (representing Kitui East) headed the Public Petitions Committee, which discovered that the land in question had originally been owned by the Mijikenda community. According to the information provided to the committee, during the final years of the colonial era, the land was under a lease tenure controlled by a colonial master named Lily White.
Late assistant minister John Keen allegedly took control of the land owned by the Coast Development Company for agricultural purposes, as reported by members. Kilifi North Constituency MP Owen Baya presented a petition on behalf of the residents, urging for assistance to prevent them from living in constant fear of losing their homes.
According to the committee’s findings, Keen initially demanded that the residents pay rent for the houses they had constructed on the land. However, the situation took a different turn when he later offered them the opportunity to purchase shares in his company. Each share was priced at Sh20,000 and represented ownership of one plot measuring 50ft x 100ft.
Numerous residents, as well as religious institutions and educational establishments, claimed to have paid for these shares through various channels, including Barclays and Kenya Commercial Bank, as well as representatives named Philip Yaa, Paul Njoroge, and Rashid Abdi Makarani.
The petitioners are now requesting the right to possess the parcels of land they have paid for. Additionally, they are seeking the committee’s advice to recommend the government to invalidate the title of Coast Development Company and conduct a fresh assessment in favor of the residents.
Kilifi County’s Commissioner, Josephat Biwott, informed the committee that the land conflicts in the area have deep historical roots, going back more than five decades. He mentioned that they are currently employing arbitration as a means to find a resolution between the squatters and the landowners. The petition before the committee was lodged by residents from Mnarani, Misufini, Vibandani, and Kibarani sub-locations, as well as Tezo location.
Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai.
The committee was informed that the land had initially been owned by the Mijikenda community.
MPs‘ land reclamation assistance.
Summary
Many residents and institutions claim to have paid for these shares, and they now request possession of the land they paid for. Urge the committee to recommend the government invalidates the title of the Coast Development Company and conducts a new assessment in favor of the residents.
Land issues in Kilifi
Josephat Biwott, the Kilifi County Commissioner, acknowledged the historical land disputes and asserted that they are employing arbitration to resolve the conflicts between squatters and landowners. The residents from various sub-locations in the area filed the petition.
The former assistant minister John Keen later assumed the land control of Coast Development Company, as he informed the committee.The residents of Mnarani, Misufini, Vibandani, and Kibarani sub-locations, along with Tezo location in Kilifi County, were the ones who filed the petition.
Factors that affect land owners in kenya
Several factors can significantly impact landowners in Kenya:
Land Ownership Laws: The legal framework surrounding land ownership, registration, and tenure can affect landowners’ rights and security of ownership. Unclear land laws, disputes over title deeds, and inconsistent land policies can create challenges for landowners.
Land Tenure Systems: Different land tenure systems, such as freehold, leasehold, and communal land, have distinct implications for landowners. Each system comes with unique rights, responsibilities, and restrictions.
Land Use and Planning: Regulations, zoning laws, and urban policies restrict landowners’ property use, influencing development and investment.
Land Grabbing and Conflicts: Disputes, encroachment, and illegal grabs threaten landowners’ rights, leading to insecurity.
Land Valuation and Taxation: Valuations and taxes impact landowners’ financial burden, influencing decisions on land use and development
Land Degradation and Environmental Concerns: Environmental factors, such as soil erosion, deforestation, and climate change, can affect land productivity and value.
Land Valuation and Taxation: Valuations and taxes impact landowners’ financial burden, influencing decisions on land use and development
Infrastructure Development: Access to roads, electricity, and water impacts land value for buyers and investors.
Land Administration and Corruption: Inefficient systems and corruption cause transaction delays and disputes, affecting landowners’ interests.
Socio-economic Factors: Economic conditions, population growth, and demographic trends can influence land demand and use, affecting landowners’ investment decisions.
Navigating these factors effectively requires a comprehensive understanding of land laws, regulations, and local land dynamics, enabling landowners to make informed decisions and protect their interests.
