Committee to solve Chelimo squatter problem formed

Lands and Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir. [Courtesy, Lands Ministry]

Lands Principal Secretary (PS) Nixon Korir has formed a committee aimed at solving the Chelimo squatter problem in Kericho County.

According to PS Korir, the occupation of the land by the squatters has hindered the expansion of Kericho town.

Korir was joined by Kericho Governor Erick Mutai and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat, and several Kericho Members of the County Assembly.

The leaders also held consultative meetings with residents to create consensus before the resettlement process begins.

They reached an agreement to form a task force, which is supposed to start working immediately.

The task force is supposed to identify genuine squatters who will then be allocated land and issued title deeds.

It comprises members from Kericho County, the County Commissioner’s office, the National Police Service, the Lands Office Surveyor, the National Land Commission, and the area MCA.

PS Korir said that four groups laying claim to the land and having filed cases in court had agreed to withdraw the cases to allow a smooth transition.

He added settling the genuine squatters will create the space required for the expansion of Kericho town.

“I thank the Kericho area leaders led by Governor Mutai and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot for making the baraza a success and putting to an end the dispute that has lasted for decades,” said PS Korir.

The governor said that public participation in the process is key to the development of the county.

"We are going to use this opportunity of the municipality expansion to provide a lasting solution to the residents," said the Governor.

National Land Commission Chairman Mr Gershom Otachi, who accompanied the PS, said he is committed to working closely to ensure disputes over the land are resolved quickly and amicably.