Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has responded to the recent land row with Tatu City management after the investors accused the county of extortion.
Ttau City had accused the County Government of delaying approval of its new Master Plan, for more than a year and a half over an alleged demand for acres of land.
Wamatangi in his response said the county has only requested land to be surrendered by Tatu City solely for public utility purposes.
“It is with great dismay that we witness their attempt to tarnish my administration's reputation by spreading grossly distorted information on the matters at hand. My administration is not seeking land for personal or individual use,” the Governor said.
He said the land, 54 acres, requested is in line with the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019 (PLUPA) and the Physical and Land Use Planning (Development Permission and Control) (General) Regulations 2021.
The regulations require private developers to allocate land for public facilities such as schools, hospitals, fire stations, recreational areas, police stations, playgrounds and other public utilities.
“It is, therefore, hypocritical and disturbing that a respected investor would resort to making such baseless accusations, suggesting that we are pursuing land for personal gain," Wamatangi said.
Wamatangi said the 54 acres requested is part of 406 acres initially set aside for public utilities in Tatu City’s initial plan.
He added that since Tatu City started operations in Kiambu, 14 years ago, no land has been surrendered to the county.
The county boss noted that so far, they have only requested 10 acres for social housing, 44 acres for a stadium, community centre, social hall, hospital and administration offices and two acres for construction of the Governor’s Official Residence.
"For the avoidance of doubt, this will be a public facility registered in the name of the County Government and not in Governor’s name.
“It was appalling that Tatu City chose to mislead the public with defamatory offensive statements against the County Government and its leadership,” Wamatangi said.
He reaffirmed the County’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
The Governor added that they recognise investors’ crucial role in job creation and economic growth in the county and they are open to further discussions on the matter.
“We are more than willing to continue the conversation without compromising public trust and expectation.”
Tatu City had alleged that the county boss and a senior official were attempting to extort foreign investors into the county.
“The value of the land they are trying to take from Tatu City is Sh4.3 billion,” the management said in a press briefing.