County halts land sales and transfers

Youths work on a section of the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Mai Mahiu.

Nakuru county government has banned the transfer or sub-division of land around the Industrial park in Maai Mahiu.

The directive is meant to assist a planning and survey team from the county to compile a comprehensive inventory and a base map for the special economic zone.

Areas affected by the ban include Mau Summit, Rongai, Ngecha, Subukia, Old Kijabe, Longonot, Kabazi among other areas.

The move by the county comes two months after the Ministry of Lands processed a title deed for the industrial park following reports that some unscrupulous traders wanted to grab it.

According to Lands Executive Francis Mwangi, the notice took effect immediately and the exercise is expected to last 90 days. He said the purpose of the notice was to provide a development framework for urban centres and formalise security of tenure for the tenants.

Industrial park

“The county government has commissioned a survey in identified areas, interested individuals can give their input to the department in writing,” he said, adding that the county had submitted the petition to Transport CS James Macharia

The executive noted that during the period, there will be no transfer of land, registration of new allotment letters and processing of development applications.

“The move will enable the planning of and survey of teams to prepare and compile a comprehensive inventory and a base map for respective centers,” he said.

Trade Executive Raymond Komen said that the county was keen to make sure that the Industrial Park was a success.

The county is working closely with the 11 ministries involved in the works around the economic zone. “The governor is fully behind this project as it will transform the county, offer investment opportunities and employ over 40,000 people directly,” he said.