AfriPulse
In a startling revelation to Parliament, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito informed lawmakers that private individuals have seized land belonging to several State Houses and State Lodges across the country. This systemic encroachment has not only stalled critical renovation works but has also sparked serious national security concerns among legislators.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Metito detailed a complex battle to reclaim government property from unauthorized occupants. He noted that land grabbers have laid claim to hundreds of acres, disrupting the management of these high-security facilities.
A Nationwide Recovery Effort
The government has already initiated a “one-by-one” recovery process to oust illegal settlers and developers. Metito confirmed that the state recently recovered 100 acres in Kakamega County and successfully repossessed land in Eldoret.
“Almost all these State Lodges and State Houses… their land was really encroached, so it is a process. We are trying one by one. Even the Eldoret one we did, we had to repossess it from the club,” Metito told the committee.
The comptroller indicated that the recovery team will now shift its focus toward Nakuru and Kisumu counties, where encroachment has reached critical levels.
Security Risks and “Multi-Storey” Threats
Members of Parliament expressed disbelief over how private individuals managed to seize such sensitive public land. Committee Chairman Gabriel Tongoyo highlighted a particularly brazen instance in Kisumu, where a local politician allegedly occupied government property.
“When we went to Kisumu, despite some renovations that have taken place, there was a lot of land dispute. It is being said that part of State Lodge has been taken up by the county government; actually, one house was occupied by a nominated MCA,” Tongoyo remarked.
Beyond the loss of land, lawmakers raised the alarm over the rapid construction of multi-storey buildings adjacent to state houses. They warned that these high-rise developments could provide vantage points that compromise the safety of the president and visiting dignitaries.
In a swift move, the committee ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a high-rise building neighboring the State House in Nakuru.
Budgetary Demands and Infrastructure Projects
The land disputes come at a time when the State House is seeking a significant budget increase. While the Treasury allocated KSh11 billion, Metito is pushing for the full KSh20 billion originally proposed for the upcoming financial year.
Defending the request, the comptroller pointed to the high costs associated with hosting national celebrations outside the capital and the ongoing maintenance of 13 development projects across various lodges.
“On average, we spend KSh123 million per function, and the minimum number of guests is 4,500. So when you talk of costs of tents, food, you know…” he explained to the MPs.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
