Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-28 12:35:52
All landlords and developers who plan to construct buildings on land adjacent to military establishments are now required to obtain approval from the Chief of the Defence Forces, as directed by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. This directive was emphasized by the CS during his recent visit to Uasin Gishu, where a land dispute involving 1,200 families and the military has been ongoing.
The CS highlighted that this directive applies to all individuals, particularly those who own land in close proximity to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, which is currently overseen by Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogola. Duale explained that this order is backed by existing laws and is part of an initiative to resolve land disputes between the military and communities across the country.
During his visit, Aden Duale also met with various stakeholders at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, including representatives from the defence sector, landowners, residents, and government officials. He emphasized that these reconciliation efforts are in line with a directive from President William Ruto to address long-standing land disputes effectively.
The CS specifically mentioned ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution to a land conflict in Kiplombe, near Eldoret City, involving the Moi Barracks Recruits Training School and the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation lands. Currently, 1,200 families are embroiled in a dispute with the state over claims to more than 4,000 acres bordering Moi Barracks. Some claimants, including members of the Leseru Tebeson Farmers Society, assert that they were allocated the land in 2006. However, Duale clarified that a court ruling revoked their claims, citing fraudulent acquisition of title deeds.
In a separate development, there has been contention over Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s proposal to allow skyscrapers in the city to reach up to 75 floors in designated areas. The governor defended the proposal by stating that the county was planning infrastructure upgrades, such as sewage and transportation systems, to support taller buildings. He assured residents that existing infrastructure would also be expanded to ensure minimal disruption.
City residents and architects have raised concerns about the feasibility and sustainability of such a proposal, considering its potential impact on the city’s skyline and infrastructure. However, Governor Sakaja remains resolute in his vision to enhance Nairobi’s urban landscape while addressing the city’s growing housing and commercial needs.
Overall, the directives from the Defence Cabinet Secretary and the ongoing efforts to resolve land disputes underscore the government’s commitment to upholding legal protocols and promoting harmonious relationships between military institutions and local communities. These initiatives aim to create a more transparent and equitable system for land ownership and development, while also ensuring sustainable urban planning practices in key urban centers like Nairobi.
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