Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu Farmers Protest 30-Year Green Planet Land Agreement
However, they now claim that GPI has introduced new documents, including affidavits, under unclear circumstances.
Green Planet Land Agreement.Photo/Renature.
By Gidion Ngeno
Farmers from Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties have raised alarm over a 30-year land agreement they signed in 2023 with the Green Planet Initiative (GPI), accusing the organization of breaching terms and attempting to extend the contract without their consent.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, the farmers, who entered into a deal with GPI and Earth Bank to allow tree planting on their land, expressed concern over what they described as a “plot to grab their land.” One of the affected farmers, Kipruto Mayo, recounted how the project began.
“In 2023, Green Planet came and we signed an agreement with Earth Bank and GPI. They planted trees on my land in 2024,” said Mayo.
He added that they were initially assured they would retain ownership of their land once the contract ended. However, they now claim that GPI has introduced new documents, including affidavits, under unclear circumstances.
“After a week, they brought documents claiming to be from GPI, and we were asked to sign affidavits to confirm land ownership,” Mayo added.
The farmers further allege that GPI is attempting to unlawfully extend the contract duration to over 40 years and had requested copies of their title deeds, which they refused to provide.
They also reported suspicious visits by individuals claiming to be from an organization called Earth Tree, who conducted land assessments without the farmers’ permission.
The farmers are now demanding the immediate withdrawal of the contract, citing breach of trust and misalignment with their expectations.
The matter highlights growing tensions surrounding land-based climate and carbon credit projects in Kenya, as farmers call for greater transparency and respect for land rights.
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