Principal Secretary for Lands, Mr. Isaac Korir, has announced that land titles will finally be issued to residents by December 2024. This marks the end of a decades-old conflict that has plagued the scheme, located in Nakuru’s Rongai constituency.
The Banita Settlement Scheme, covering 15,115 acres, was acquired by the government through the Settlement Fund Trustees (SFT) between 1999 and 2001. The land was initially purchased from Majani Mingi Group of Companies to benefit residents in the area. However, the settlement process has been marred by disputes, resulting in numerous court cases, claims of land exclusion, and conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. Unauthorized invasions by non-beneficiaries further compounded the issue, leading to years of frustration for both settlers and local leaders.
The land allocation process officially began on December 18, 2002, when settlers received letters of offer. However, due to complaints from individuals who claimed they were unfairly excluded, the then Minister of Lands revoked the allocation. Since then, Banita has remained embroiled in an unresolved dispute, with various stakeholders calling for a fair and lasting solution.
Korir, in his announcement last Friday, expressed his commitment to resolving the matter once and for all. “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 Korir during his visit to the scheme. He was accompanied by the Director for Settlement and Adjudication, Kennedy Njenga, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Lands. The PS’s remarks signal a significant breakthrough in addressing the complex issues that have plagued the scheme for decades.
To facilitate the resolution, the government has undertaken a multi-faceted approach. Korir directed the Nakuru County Commissioner, Loyford Kibaara, to lead a multi-agency team composed of lands officers and committee members. The team will be responsible for forming 17 teams across the scheme’s 17 villages to conduct a comprehensive listing and verification of the residents. This process is aimed at ensuring that only rightful beneficiaries are included in the land allocation and that any discrepancies are addressed.
One of the key elements of the dispute resolution effort is the active involvement of the local community. Korir urged the residents to work together and prevent non-residents from interfering in the process. He stressed the importance of cooperation in achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the dispute, emphasizing that the process must be transparent and inclusive.
The PS also acknowledged the crucial role played by local leaders in the resolution process. “I am grateful to the local leaders for their continued support in resolving the dispute. Their cooperation is vital in ensuring that the people of Banita receive the justice they deserve,” Korir added.
The efforts to resolve the Banita land dispute have been met with support from local leaders, including Rongai Member of Parliament, Paul Chebor. MP Chebor expressed his gratitude to the government for its dedication to resolving the matter and assured the residents of his full support. “I thank the Principal Secretary for Lands for his support in resolving this longstanding dispute. We are going to unite to promote development and establish public utilities for the residents of Rongai,” Chebor said.
This unified commitment from both the government and local leaders has brought hope to the residents of Banita, who have long struggled with uncertainty over land ownership. The successful resolution of this issue will not only bring peace to the settlement scheme but also pave the way for improved development and better living conditions for the people of Rongai.
With land titles set to be issued by December 2024, the end of the Banita settlement scheme dispute represents a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to address land-related conflicts across the country. This development provides a promising outlook for other communities facing similar challenges, as the government continues to push for equitable land reforms and the resolution of disputes that hinder progress and development.
