The National Lands Commission (NLC) has repossessed title deeds for public land valued at millions of shillings which it presented to the Kiambu County government.
According to the NLC County Coordinator Molu Halake, six parcels of land meant for markets, open spaces and other utilities were surrendered by individuals who had grabbed them.
He noted that the title deeds were handed over to his office by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the land was initially under Kanunga Farmers Co-operative Society which had set it aside for public use.
Receiving the titles at the county headquarters, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi hailed the relevant government agencies for repossessing the land, noting that the county was facing a serious lack of space for the construction of public institutions.
"I have been literally begging for land to put up health facilities since all public spaces have been taken by individuals. A case in point is Mwihoko and Mwiki areas in Ruiru Sub County where we cannot get land to build health centres," Wamatangi said.
Similarly in Kahawa Sukari ward, the governor said he had to negotiate with the management of a school to cede part of its land for the construction of a hospital.
Wamatangi simultaneously announced that his office had prepared a list of nearly 1,000 parcels of land that were in the wrong hands. He also informed those currently occupying this land to provide proof of ownership before the regional government repossesses it.
However, he noted that the verification exercise was in good faith and not meant to harass anyone saying those who appear in the list have a right to defend themselves.
"The grabbing of public utility land in Kiambu is pathetic and must stop. I hail the NLC, DCI and other government agencies for their cooperation and we shall continue to work with them to ensure all public land is in the right hands," he pointed out.
Demolitions
He also emphasized that his administration was not keen on demolishing people's property as recently witnessed in Mavoko, Machakos County where houses built on land belonging to EA Portland Cement company were brought down by bulldozers.
Additionally, Wamatangi said a team has been formed to iron out issues of allocation of stalls at the Githurai modern market which have sparked controversy.
Wamatangi held a meeting with representatives of two groups of traders that have been fighting for control of the market, delaying allocation of 1,500 stalls in the four-storey building which was completed several months ago.
