President William Ruto has warned private developers who have illegally acquired land to either surrender it or face eviction.
The Head Of State said that the government will repossess the grabbed land to enable the opening of its development agenda in housing, agriculture and industrialization.
“These land grabbers have only one option-surrender public land and move out before we swing into action and repossess them,” President Ruto said.
He has also ordered officials from the Ministry of Lands and national and county administrators to coordinate the recovery of grabbed public land, noting that it is slowing down projects across the country.
While visiting Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nyandarua and Trans Nzoia counties President Ruto condemned what he described as widespread grabbing of land meant for public utilities.
“We need space to put up affordable housing, modern markets, ICT hubs, among other development projects. Grabbers have to surrender the illegally acquired public land,” Ruto said in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Sunday.
The Kenya Kwanza administration, which plans to construct at least 10,000 units in each county under the affordable housing programme, is facing challenges of protracted land ownership disputes.
By Matildah Obaigwa
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