Lands Ministry Urged to Compensate all Genuine Squatters
By Robert Siele | KERICHO,
Kericho County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai has urged individuals who are not genuine squatters but appear on the Kevoko land beneficiaries list to step aside, allowing rightful squatters who were excluded to be considered for allocation.
His remarks come amid growing controversy in Kericho County over claims that some individuals allocated the land to themselves through proxies, friends, and relatives, sidelining deserving squatters.
On Monday, more than 1,200 squatters and allottees in Kevoko, on the outskirts of Kericho, received title deeds in an exercise conducted by the Ministry of Lands and led by Lands PS Nixon Korir.
However, over 300 squatters left out of the process have been camping at the County headquarters, seeking an audience with the governor.
Speaking to the press at the County Assembly, Mutai called for a review of the beneficiaries list to ensure all genuine squatters are included.
He also defended the Assembly, stating that its role was limited to approving the physical plan and not selecting beneficiaries.
Beyond resettlement, the 800-acre Chelimo land has been designated for a Special Economic Zone expected to generate 100,000 jobs, 5,000 affordable housing units, institutions, a County headquarters, a State lodge, and other amenities.
