Assembly allows sale of a controversial parcel of land public land

A piece of land at the centre of a pricing dispute between Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and Senate will now be sold.

The county bought the 34.9 acres for Sh340 million, five years ago to put up an industrial park.

It stirred a controversy between Governor Wa Iria and Senators who felt that the price was exaggerated.

Former Senator Kembi Gitura had argued that an acre in the area where the plot stands could not fetch above Sh2.5 million, translating to Sh87.25 million for the 34.9 acres.

However, Governor wa Iria defended the price saying the county got value for money.

Five years down the road, the land, located about a kilometre from Kabati market, off Nairobi-Nyeri Highway has remained idle.

On Tuesday, the county assembly unanimously voted to sell it and directed the county finance and lands departments to initiate the process to dispose it within 14 days.

The ward reps also directed the two departments to engage a land valuer to determine how much the property is worth.

The County Assembly's lands and housing committee chaired by Gerald Wambugu recommended that proceeds from the sale go to priority projects that will improve livelihoods of area residents.

“The county government has a deficit in its budget, thus the need to dispose the idle property and use the money for more useful projects,” said Wambugu.

Wambugu said putting up an industrial park for agricultural value addition has been overtaken by events.

“Dynamics in horticulture business have since changed because there are many players, the county has since initiated collaboration with Kakuzi Farm and Delmonte Kenya to offer agricultural value addition to farmers in Murang’a,” said Wambugu.

He further argued that the land has been idle for too long and has been source of conflict.

However, Kimorori Wempa ward rep, Amos Murigi opposed the sale of the land located in his area. He claimed that the property was a subject in investigations by the Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Auditor General’s office.

Mr Murigi further argued that the land had already been identified for construction of a nursery and primary school.

He said area residents were ready to block the sale of the land.

“Murang’a people should not be deceived that money from the sale of the land will go to serving their interests," said Murigi.

Nominated ward rep, Milka Ngari, also opposed the sale, arguing that the land was a precious county asset owing to its location and planned development.

Speaking at Kiria ini market, Ms Ngari blamed the executive for the planned sale.

“The executive failed to advise the assembly against the proposal,” she said.