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{
    "id": 1126084,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1126084/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 303,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Narok North, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Richard ole Kenta",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 420,
        "legal_name": "Richard Moitalel ole Kenta",
        "slug": "richard-moitalel-ole-kenta"
    },
    "content": "we could not wait for this to happen because it might not be done by the time the term of House is over. We also observed there are public utilities, public roads, an airport and a railway station which are open to the public. Whereas originally it was purported they are owned by the Taita Sisal Estate; there were also crooked elements who were trying to exploit people by asking them for registration money for one to get land. They actually harassed the estate and people entitled to the land. One of those is called Mwasima Mbua Welfare Society, which I have mentioned. In the view of the Committee and the community, these are people who were out to exploit the community and collect money from them. They even purported to take all community ranches in Taita Taveta to distribute to the local community, which was a lie. There was also the issue of insecurity and there were disputes, as I have said. But by the time the Committee visited the place, there was evidence of peace. The people also said they could work together with all stakeholders. The county government was also forceful in saying that they did not want unnecessary disruption of the status quo. They came in and involved themselves in the administration of land. So, the local community and the county government are involved in this matter. It is something that was of help. They assured the Committee that all will be well and for the benefit of the people of Taita Taveta. There was also the issue of human rights all over the country. These people were denied their rights. It is something that should go beyond this particular report. Rights of ordinary Kenyans, be they in central region, Laikipia or Taita Taveta, must be respected. If people lose their lands and everything, there must be adequate compensation, reparation and all other benefits. Upon deliberation, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning should complete the adjudication process of the 6,000 acres excised from Taita Sisal Estate to the squatters in Taita Taveta County within six months of the adoption of this report. It is for this Parliament to ensure that the undertakings are fulfilled. The 6,000 acres should go to the local community so that they benefit. The Cabinet Secretary said it takes time to identify these people, but six months are adequate to conclude this matter. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should, within six months of adoption of this report, submit the list of all beneficiaries of the land surrendered by the Estate. This is to ensure that it is the people of Taita Taveta who benefit. What has been happening in most places is that very rich and undeserving people are the ones who take such lands. You may find that a small portion of the 6,000 acres goes to the residents while a larger portion goes to those who pretend to come from that place, the so-called busybodies and land grabbers. So, this Parliament must be given the list of beneficiaries. We have been working very well with the Members of Parliament for the area and they are happy that this issue has been resolved. It has been outstanding for a long time. We also recommend that the Ministry, the National Land Commission and the County Government of Taita Taveta should engage the local community for concurrence on extension and renewal of leases of the Taita Sisal Estate when the same expire. We looked at the land register and most of the lands were allocated in 1900s, which means ownership time has lapsed. It is very important that before the leases are renewed, the local people are consulted, because this land is supposed to revert back to them. In some circumstances, unscrupulous land grabbers come in and take the land for their own benefit. You might be surprised to find out that when the lease on the 30,000 acres expires, somebody might take the whole land and leave the people destitute. So, it is very important that The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}