Over 2,000 Rongai residents to receive title deeds after 31-year wait

Catherine Muindi (PCO) and Anne Mwale (KNA)
 

The Government has committed to resolve the longstanding Banita land dispute in Rongai, Nakuru County, within 21 days.

In collaboration with the Nakuru County Government, the Ministry of Lands will issue title deeds to more than 2,000 residents of Rongai Sub-County after a 31-year wait to end the perennial land disputes in the devolved unit.

Speaking to residents of Rongai, Lands Principal Secretary Korir acknowledged the prolonged nature of the dispute.

Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir emphasised the need for landowners within Banita Settlement Scheme in Soin Ward that comprises Kapsaga, Kongo Machine, Kiito, Kokwomoi, and Kimamoi A and B villages to get the land ownership documents.

“This is a positive move and a step forward in the economic elevation of Nakuru County and in the appreciation of our land value,” he said.

He said the Ministry of Lands and the county administration are working to have the land adjudication completed in the sub-county.

Lands PS Nixon Korir consults with Director for Adjudication and Settlement Kennedy Njenga during the baraza at Banita Settlement Scheme, in Nakuru County

Residents and stakeholders of Banita Settlement Scheme, Rongai, Nakuru participate in the Baraza on Thursday at Nakuru County.

However, following complaints from individuals who claimed to have been excluded, the allocation was revoked by the then Minister of Lands.

Paul Chebor, the Member of Parliament for Rongai, expressed satisfaction at the resolution of the longstanding land dispute, which had persisted for many years.

“I want to thank the Principal Secretary for Lands for his relentless efforts in resolving this issue. This resolution will unite us as a community and pave the way for development and the establishment of public utilities for the people of Rongai,” Chebor said.

Kimunai Ole Kimeywa, popularly known as Santore, a resident of Rongai, expressed his relief at the impending resolution, saying, “Today, I can finally sleep in peace. Since 2005, it has been a constant battle with court cases, but our cries have been heard. Thank you, PS, for coming through to solve the Banita issue.”

The baraza was attended by local leaders who underscored a unified commitment to address the challenges within the Banita Settlement Scheme and restore peace to its residents.

Other leaders in attendance included Nakuru County Women Representative Liza Chelule, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai, Director Hon. Irine Jebichi, and Nakuru CEC for Lands John Kihagi.

The settlement scheme, covering approximately 15,115 acres, was acquired by the government through the Settlement Fund Trustees (SFT) between 1999 and 2001 from the Majani Mingi Group of Companies.

"We are determined to bring this matter to a close once and for all. We have held numerous meetings to find a lasting solution for Banita, and now we are here to solve this issue definitively," he said.

He further instructed Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara to lead a multi-agency team of lands officers and committee members, tasking them with forming 17 teams across the scheme's 17 villages to carry out a comprehensive listing and verification of residents.

The PS also urged residents to ensure that non-residents do not interfere with the process, emphasizing the importance of cooperation to achieve a fair and lasting solution.

He expressed his gratitude to local leaders, including the governor, the area MP, MCAs, and the County Commissioner, for their unwavering support.

Speaking on the government’s broader commitment to improving the economy and expanding healthcare access, the PS highlighted the affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.

"I urge the Banita residents to register for the Social Hospital Insurance Fund (SHIF) by dialing *147# so you can access the health benefits that come with this service," PS Korir said.

The land was originally a sisal estate, purchased to resettle various groups, including former estate workers, businesspeople, and pastoralists.

The initial land allocation took place on December 18, 2002, when letters of offer were issued to settlers.

Since then, Banita has faced numerous challenges, including ongoing court cases, conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, and unauthorized invasions by non-beneficiaries.

 County Commissioner Kibaara called on the locals to utilise their lands in building commercial structures or use their land for farming to earn a decent livelihood.

Nakuru CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development Mr John Kihagi said he was optimistic that title deeds will now help check land grabbing and end land disputes adding land security will be ensured and disputes drastically reduced since owners will now have title deeds.