Konza land invaders put on notice

By Victor Nzuma

Those who have built structures on the road reserves near the Konza Techno City along the Nairobi/Mombasa highway have up to February 8 to pull them down.

This was announced by the Machakos County Commissioner Ann Gakuria, who warned that those who defy will be prosecuted and compelled to meet the cost of demolishing the structures.

The commissioner said this at Malili shopping centre where she met more than 8,000 property owners, some of who own the structures.

She added that all buildings to be put up ten kilometres around the city should be certified by the Ministry of Planning to ensure they meet the required standards. The commissioner said the announcement was in line with instructions issued recently during President Kibaki’s tour to the city where he laid a foundation stone of the project.

Incur losses

She called on the investors at the techno city to abide by the instructions so as not to incur losses.

Ms Gakuria, who was accompanied by representatives of her counterparts from Kajiado and Makueni counties, called on the communities settling in the area to live in harmony and desist from violence especially during this season of campaigns.

She also thanked members of the adjacent Konza Ranching Society for allowing herdsmen from Kajiado County who had invaded their farm for pasture to leave in peace.

The commissioner advised property buyers to be wary of corrupt land brokers who could swindle them, warning that the Government will not entertain such conmen.

Kibaki had expressed concern over the mushrooming of slums around Konza city as it progresses and when it is complete