Land Grabbing Scandal Rocks Eldoret, Stalls Billion-Shilling Projects
The magnitude of the problem was highlighted by the county’s inability to construct a Ksh 150 million cultural center in Pioneer Estate, located on the outskirts of Eldoret
Governor Jonathan Bii (centre) joins traditional women in a lively dance during the launch of the 97th Kenya Music and Cultural Festival at the Homecraft Centre.
President William Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret is grappling with a rampant land-grabbing crisis that has targeted prime public utility properties valued at billions of shillings. Reports indicate that cartels, in collusion with corrupt officials at the Eldoret Lands Registry, have obstructed critical infrastructural developments intended to benefit local residents.
The magnitude of the problem was highlighted by the county’s inability to construct a Ksh 150 million cultural center in Pioneer Estate, located on the outskirts of Eldoret. The project, planned for a three-acre parcel of land valued at over Ksh 100 million, has been stalled after the land was seized by alleged grabbers.
County Director for Culture and Heritage, Mohamed Dakane, revealed that repeated efforts to access the land have been thwarted by individuals claiming ownership of the property. “We have been unable to construct a cultural center on this public utility property because the grabbers have blocked access and persistently assert ownership,” said Dakane.
Speaking at the Kenya Music and Cultural Fete held at the Craft Centre in Eldoret, Dakane made an urgent appeal to Governor Jonathan Bii, who attended the event, to intervene and recover the land. “Your Excellency, Governor Bii, we are seeking your intervention to reclaim this prime three-acre piece of public land, earmarked for the construction of a cultural center,” Dakane pleaded.
He further expressed concern that over 30 cultural group members in the region currently lack adequate space to practice for the upcoming national competition in Nairobi, scheduled to take place in two weeks. “It is unfortunate that cultural groups, which have consistently brought glory to the county through their outstanding performances, are left to beg for venues to prepare for national competitions,” he lamented.
In his response, Governor Jonathan Bii assured attendees of his administration’s commitment to addressing the issue and recovering the contested land. “It is true that this land belongs to the county and was designated for the construction of a cultural center. Plans are underway to ensure it is reverted to the public,” affirmed Bii.
The governor also vowed to take a firm stand against land-grabbing practices that have derailed key developmental projects. “I will not tolerate any instances of land grabbing that hinder the implementation of projects meant for the benefit of our residents,” he declared.
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