Governor Sakaja mediates Kirima land dispute
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is set to convene a crucial meeting on Monday, January 15, involving the two parties embroiled in the Kirima land dispute.
The dispute revolves around LR No. 5908/8 and LR No. 6852/2 parcels in Embakasi, with a recent Environment and Land Court ruling designating the land to the late property investor Gerishon Kirima’s family.
The ruling, which stated that over 1,000 acres belong to the Kirima family, has left more than 300 occupants in a state of uncertainty, anticipating possible eviction.
Nairobi County has intervened to facilitate a peaceful transition, positioning itself as an independent arbitrator.
According to a statement from Acting County Secretary Mr Patrick Analo, the County is committed to overseeing the transfer of ownership and occupancy in a humane manner, taking into account the circumstances of each case.
The County aims to reach an amicable solution between the land occupants and the Kirima family within the provisions of the law.
The County has temporarily halted further development activities on the disputed land until specific conditions are met. This includes a topographical survey of settlements, submission of a subdivision plan for approval, a request for change of use for both titles, a survey as per the approved scheme, and determining the fair market value of the land for compensation purposes.
Moreover, designated portions of land for public amenities will be identified and vested with relevant public institutions.
The County aims to ascertain the occupation status of each specific parcel of land and its extent through mandatory steps.
The Kirima family, in a statement a week ago, expressed their willingness to negotiate with the squatters and ruled out eviction as an option.
They emphasised their sympathy towards those duped into buying plots from unscrupulous individuals and offered to sell the land on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.
“While the court granted us the liberty to evict the current occupants on our land, we are reluctant to resort to evictions marked by cruel demolitions and heartless destruction of property as witnessed elsewhere,” the Kirima family stated in the release.