Three counties freeze new land projects near Konza

Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Hon Kalonzo Musyoka tours Konza Technopolis City accompanied by Senators Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Sen. Johnstone Sakaja a host of MPs and MCAs and the CEO Mr John Tanui today. (PICTURE BY DENNIS KAVISU)

Three county governments have frozen development projects on land around Konza Technopolis. The devolved governments suspended issuance of development permits to provide time for the counties of Machakos, Kajiado and Makueni to come up with new guidelines, which will dictate how the land is used.

The suspension, which will last for 90 days, was communicated in a joint statement signed by county Lands and Urban Development executives Hamilton Parseina (Kajiado), Julius Mulwa (Makueni) and Evelyne Mutie (Machakos).

The three communicated the formation of the Inter-County Joint Physical and Land Use Planning Committee, which will develop a development plan.

The committee comprises the three Lands and Urban Development executives, representatives from relevant national government ministries, department agencies including Konza Technopolis Development Authority and director general of physical planning who shall be the ex-officio member and coordinator of planning activities.

“This will provide guidelines and standards for regulation of land use practices and general development within the zone,” reads the statement. The zone covers a 10-kilometre radius around the Konza Technopolis.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i emphasised the importance of county governments working together to protect the ecosystem around the Konza Technopolis during a meeting that brought together governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado), Alfred Mutua (Machakos) and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni). 

“Konza is now evidence of what happens when government leaders at all levels work together and focus on things that matter,” he said. “What matters is delivering this project to the people.”

Information Communication Technology CS Joe Mucheru and his Lands counterpart Farida Karoney attended the meeting.

The plans seeks to provide basic guidelines and standards for regulation of land use practices and general development while controlling activities for the respective counties bordering Konza Technopolis.

“It will also guide developers and property owners on acceptable standards,” said the statement.