Residents of Banita to get titles as decades-old disputes are resolved

In the final years of the Kanu administration, Kenya’s second President, Daniel arap Moi, directed the Ministry of Lands to buy more than 15,000 acres of land in Banita, Nakuru County, from a private owner, to establish a settlement scheme for thousands of landless families in the area. 

The targeted beneficiaries included local landless people in Banita within Rongai constituency and others who were former employees on the land which was previously a vast sisal estate.

The land was purchased through the Settlement Fund Trustees under the Ministry of Lands, with plans for a swift process involving verification, allotment, surveying, and planning before issuing title deeds to residents.

But instead of bringing prosperity and stability, the scheme was halted by unending court disputes, acrimony and violent clashes pitting different groups.

Over the last two and half decades, attempts to resolve disputes between the different groups living in the 17 villages within the scheme have always failed to get unanimous support from all the residents.

But on Thursday, there was jubilation at the Banita Livestock Market when Lands and Physical Planning PS Nixon Korir announced to residents that all groups and stakeholders in the scheme have resolved their differences and the ministry has embarked on a rapid initiative to finish the remaining process before residents receive their title deeds to allow them to utilise their land for economic growth.

“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

Santore ole Kemeiwo, a prominent elder, delivered a brief yet emotional speech describing the hardships he endured over the years and how his efforts put his life at risk.

The elder, who was among those who first petitioned the late President Moi to establish the scheme, said he has confidence with the leadership provided by Korir, who coordinated a series of meetings involving elected leaders and elders representing all communities.

It is during the series of consultations that the consensus to withdraw the court cases and other disputes was reached.

Santore expressed relief at the imminent conclusion of the process saying, “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.”“Leo naweza kulala fofofo na nisiamshwe na mtu yeyote” (Tonight I can sleep without any worries at all and I should not be woken up by anybody) said Santore.

Maina Kigeria, another elder, said, “There were other Presidents before, but they did nothing for us. We should applaud and pray for this Government, as well as everyone involved in this process, including the PS.”

Korir said he had been directed by President William Ruto to ensure the disputes are resolved.

He said the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, along with the Ministry of Interior, will verify the list of residents in the 17 villages, including those who have already received their allocated farms, before issuing title deeds.

The PS also announced that the National Government, together with the County Government of Nakuru led by Governor Susan Kihika, will waive all fees and charges typically incurred during the title processing and related activities.