Lands PS Nixon Korir Resolves Longstanding Banita Land Dispute in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County

November 14, 2024

Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Hon. Generali Nixon Korir today visited the Banita Settlement Scheme, Rongai Constituency in Nakuru County to address a long-standing land dispute that has affected the area for decades.

The settlement scheme, covering approximately 15,115 acres, was acquired by the Government through the Settlement Fund Trustees (SFT) between 1999 and 2001 from Majani Mingi Group of Companies. The land was originally a sisal estate, purchased to resettle various groups including former estate workers, business people, and pastoralists.

The initial land allocation took place on December 18, 2002, with letters of offer issued to settlers. However, following complaints from individuals who claimed to have been excluded, the allocation was revoked by the then Minister of Lands. Since then, Banita has been plagued by challenges, including numerous court cases, conflicts between pastoralists and farmers and unauthorized invasions by non-beneficiaries.

Speaking to Rongai residents, in Nakuru County, PS Korir, who was accompanied by the Director for Adjudication and Settlement Kennedy Njenga and other senior officials, acknowledged the prolonged nature of the dispute and announced a commitment to resolve the issue within 21 days.

He said all the stakeholders to the scheme have now agreed to resolve the dispute without any further acrimony to allow the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning to issue title deeds to residents.

“We have held numerous meetings to find a lasting solution for Banita. Now, we are here to solve this matter once and for all,” said PS Korir. He instructed the Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara to lead a multi agency team of lands officers and committee members to work together to settle the dispute, assigning them to form seventeen teams across the scheme’s 17 villages to do a listing and verification of the residents.

PS Korir also urged residents to prevent non-residents from interfering in the process, stressing the importance of cooperation to reach a fair and lasting solution. He expressed gratitude to local leaders, including the governor, area MP, MCAs, and county commissioner, for their support.

Hon. Paul Chebor, Member of Parliament for Rongai expressed his joy at seeing the longstanding land dispute resolved after many years.

“I thank the Principal Secretary for Lands for his support in resolving this longstanding dispute. We are going to unite to promote development and establish public utilities for the residents of Rongai,” said Hon. Chebor.

Kimunai ole Kimeywa popularly known as Santore and a Rongai resident expressed relief at the impending resolution, saying, “Today, I can sleep in peace. Since 2005, it has not been easy dealing with the court cases, but our cry has finally been heard. Thank you, PS, for coming through to solve the Banita issues.”

The Baraza was well attended by local leaders, signaling a unified commitment to address the challenges within the Banita Settlement Scheme and bring peace to the residents.

The baraza, brought together leaders from across Nakuru County, including Nakuru County Woman Representative Liza Chelule, Rongai MP Paul Chebor, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai, and the Nakuru County CEC for Lands were also in attendance.