The National Assembly Committee on Lands has commenced investigations to resolve disputes over more than 12,000 acres piece of land in Vipingo, Kilifi County, in contention between local community and investors.
The Committee chaired by North Mugirango Member of Parliament Joash Nyamoko, is set to establish the authenticity of the ideal owners of the piece of land that has been the center of dispute between the locals and Centum Investment Company who both presented their title deeds to claim ownership.
Speaking to journalists during courtesy visit at Kilifi Governor’s office, the committee vowed to visit the land under dispute to engage all the stakeholders in order to render the land a conducive investment environment.
During the fact-finding mission, the committee will compile reports collected from the feuding parties so as to present it to the National Assembly for the way forward.
According to Nyamoko, the committee has already held meetings with Centum Investment company, Mombasa Cement and Ministry of lands in a bid to gather more information.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, who is the chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on lands addressing the media at Kilifi County Governor’s residence on Friday Photo by Treeza Auma
“Once we are done with the report, we will be able to come up with a solution to aid in justice for the local community as deserved. We will then give the directions we would want to take as a government so that the people of Kilifi can benefit from that particular piece of land”, Nyamoko said.
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro supported the move saying that the residents have the right to enjoy the benefits of the land if their tittle deeds will authenticated.
Munga’ro urged the committee to investigate the Public lands that have reportedly been grabbed illegally by individuals.
“It is time we know where the lands that were returned to the government disappeared to. Were they returned to the public and if so is there any evidence that they were issued back?” Mungaro said.
Mung’aro added that the lands whose leases had already expired should also be investigated in order to end conflicts between government and members of the community.
This happens after local residents invaded the land in April 2023, seeking justice for ownership.
IAN BYRON