Reclaim plots allocated irregularly, Ntimama demands

By Kipchumba Kemei

Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama has asked the Local Government Ministry to investigate irregular allocation of land in Narok.

He told Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government Minister Musalia Mudavadi the allocation was done despite a five-year ban.

In 2004, the Government banned plot allocations at municipal councils on grounds that they were irregular.

Mr Ntimama said on Thursday Government and public land had been grabbed.

The Culture and National Heritage Minister asked the Government to ensure the plots were returned and title deeds cancelled.

Floods problem

Ntimama, who is also the Narok North MP, claimed that the council was allocating land to outsiders.

"If the Government does not act, a major conflict will arise," he said.

He called for an audit of allocations since 2004.

Earlier, the Narok Central Business Association said the town faces a perennial floods problem because land along the waterways had been grabbed.

Association Vice-Chairman David Mpatiany said between 2004 and last year, more than 980 plots have been irregularly allocated and demanded the allocations be nullified.

He told a leaders’ meeting in the town that the council had no public toilets and parking space because land been grabbed.

Council Chairman Kerimpoti Sadera skirted the plot grabbing issue, but said the local authority collects funds not enough to meet its public obligations.

Local Government PS Sammy Kirui said council chief officers who do not enforce Government regulations would be disciplined.

"The ministry will ensure public plots that were allocated after 2004 are repossessed," he said adding that councils should hold regular meetings with stakeholders.