Executive rolls out public forums on planning of towns to ease conflict

Traders in Tala town display their wares on a major street. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]

As part of its efforts to improve physical planning and cadastral survey in informal settlements within key municipalities, the county government of Machakos has launched public participation and capacity-building forums.

Lands executive Philip Kilonzo said the programme aims to improve the provision of critical infrastructure and other government services while avoiding potential conflict among stakeholders in urban areas.

"Our goal is to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding developments in major urban centres, particularly by property owners, in order to foster peaceful coexistence," Kilonzo said at a public participation forum in Muthwani, Athi River Sub-County.

The CEC said harmonisation of settlement plans is a key priority area for the county government, which is under intense pressure from rapid expansion and industrial establishments in Mavoko, Machakos, and Kangundo/Tala.

The process will involve the establishment of real property boundaries.