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{
    "id": 1278190,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1278190/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 210,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kanduyi, FORD-K",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. John Makali",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to also contribute to this Motion. At the outset, let me thank the Member for Embakasi, Hon. Mwenje for bringing this Motion at this particular time. The fight for Independence for this country could be equated to the fight to recover lands that had been taken by the white settlers. The 2010 Constitution, which we gave to ourselves, dedicates Chapter Five to matters touching on land and environment. As clearly pointed out by the Mover of this Motion, land is a very emotive issue; a factor of production; and is a measure of somebody's status and wealth in this particular country. If we look at the Constitution, it says that land belongs to all the people of Kenya, either collectively, as communities or as individuals. In the usage of land, if we look at Article 60, it says that land shall be used in an equitable manner. The issue of squatters in our country is a time bomb which we need to tackle as a matter of urgency, otherwise, it is going to create a security problem in our country. It is unfortunate that at this time, we have many Kenyans who still live as squatters. Some of them courtesy of having worked for the former settlers. Others because they got employed and worked for some people but have no title deeds. In this country, you will come across many people who have stayed on parcels of land for over eight years but have no title deeds for their land and are literally squatters. If you move around the country, the Constitution created the Environment and Lands Court. These courts are clogged up with many cases of people claiming for title deeds for their land. People have ended up being killed because of disputes over title deeds. Our land registries have not been very fast in generating title deeds. So, it is important as proposed by the Mover of this Motion that we develop a comprehensive policy. I know if we move to the courts, there is the concept of adverse possession. Where if somebody has stayed on a parcel of land for a period of more than 12 years peacefully without interruption from anyone, he is entitled to claim that land. Although a person is forced to incur expense of going to the court so as to declare his/her rights. In my view, once the concept of adverse possession has accrued, a person ought to technically get a title deed without having to move to court to declare. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support the Motion by Hon. Mark Mwenje. We need to revisit our land laws and have a comprehensive regime to settle Kenyans staying on parcels of land as squatters in their own country. I hope this Motion sees the light of day. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}