National Land Commission in bid to buy Criticos land to settle squatters

TAITA TAVETA: The National Land Commission (NLC) is exploring the possibility of purchasing the disputed land belonging to former Taveta MP Basil Criticos to settle the landless.

The 2,970 acre Machungwani farm has been the epicentre of conflict between Mr Criticos and squatters currently living on the farm whose lease expired in January.

NLC Chairman Muhammad Swazuri, in his letter to Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu said the NLC Committee on Land Administration, fully supports the idea of NLC acquiring the land.

He said once the commission gets the funds for the acquisition, a government surveyor would be dispatched to confirm the acreage.

A valuer will also be sent to value the confirmed acreage and return the figure, which will form the basis for negotiation with the proprietor of the parcels that are up for sale, said Dr Swazuri in the letter dated August 21.

The letter seen by The Standard was also copied to Senator Dan Mwazo, Woman Representative Joyce Lay, Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, NLC Director of Land Administration and NLC Assistant Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement.

The Land Act in sections 134 and 135 allows NLC to obtain funds for the purpose of establishing and implementing settlement programmes, as appropriate, throughout the country.

"The pre-emptive of the renewal of the approximately 2,970 acres can only be exercised in the applicant's favour if the county government informs NLC in writing that it does not need the land for a public purpose or benefit," said Swazuri.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, the chairman confirmed that the former legislator had applied for an extension of his land lease, but his case is yet to be decided.