The settlement scheme located in Nakuru, Rongai constituency has been hit by a long-standing dispute that 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.
"We have held
numerous meetings to find a lasting solution for Banita. Now, we are here to
solve this matter once and for all," the PS said when he visited the scheme on Friday.
Korir was accompanied by the Director for Settlement and Adjudication Kennedy Njenga and other senior officials.
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However, following complaints from individuals who claimed to have been excluded, the allocation was revoked by the then Minister of Lands.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.
In a joint effort to end the dispute, the PS instructed the Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara to lead a multiagency team of lands officers and committee members to work together to settle the dispute, directing them to form 17 teams across the scheme’s 17 villages to do a listing and verification of the residents.
The Ps 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 for their
support in the settlement scheme dispute resolvent.
Rongai Member of Parliament Paul Chebor thanked the government on its continued
support in making sure that the settlement scheme dispute is solved.
“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,” the MP added.
The dispute resolving meeting was attended by local leaders, signaling a unified commitment to address the challenges within the Banita Settlement Scheme and bring peace to the residents.
