Settlement agony for thousands of squatters on sisal estate

Teita Sisal Estate Managing Director Phillip Kyriaz shows then-Lands CAS Gideon Mung'aro the vast farm located in Taita-Taveta County. [Renson Mnyamwezi, Standard]

Thousands of squatters living on the giant Teita Sisal Estate have petitioned the government to fast-track issuance of title deeds to help improve their socio-economic status.

The more than 4,000 squatters said management of the farm had ceded part of the land to settle them, but nothing has been done so far.

This is in spite of the completion of a survey and erection of beacons on the more than 32,000-acre farm.

The national and county governments jointly funded the survey and demarcation work at Singila and Majengo villages to the tune of Sh1.2 million.

The farm’s managing director, Philip Kyriaz, confirmed that they had allocated 284 acres of land out of which 250 acres would be used to settle squatters in the two villages while the remaining will be used for social amenities.

“Survey on the part of the vast farm was concluded many years ago, and we handed over the ceded parcel to the government for settlement of the squatters.

We did our part as per the recommendations of the National Assembly that directed us to settle the squatters who have been living on the farm for years,” stated the managing director.

The farm’s management and squatters had been accusing each other of encroachment. But a survey conducted recently showed that squatters had encroached the farm.

“Surveyors had excised the land being occupied by the squatters from the main farm. The surveyors had set aside public utility plots for schools, police station among other amenties,” stated Kyriaz.

Yesterday, the squatters held a peaceful protest in Mwatate town to demand immediate settlement.

Led by their chairperson, Danson Masaka, the squatters said they had been living on the land since 1970.

He said the delay by the government to issue them with title deeds leaves a lot to be desired.

“We have no problem with the farm’s management because it has agreed to settle us on the farm. Our major concern is the government’s failure to process title deeds for the plots,” said Masaka.

Javan Mwazala, a village elder, said permanent settlement on the land will help boost the region’s economy.

Carolyne Makena, a legal officer for the estate and farm’s general manager, Emanuel Mrombo, confirmed the squatters have allotment letters and are still waiting for title deeds.

 “Singila and Majengo land was excised from the estate and subdivided for settlement,” said Makena.

Mrombo warned residents against falling prey to land cartels that have been collecting money under the pretext to settle the landless.

“When we began this settlement process we had people who had interests of the residents at heart but later turned into cartels. Those corrupt people claiming to register people tend to forget that the land in question now is public land.”

In addition, Masaka said there is a committee comprising of squatters, county and national government officials who have identified genuine squatters for settlement.