In Summary
- Mavoko squatters allege corruption in the KCB-led land regularization process.
- They are seeking an extension of the Ksh.200,000 payment deadline for plot regularization.
- KCB denies corruption claims, assures transparency, and promises to address grievances.
Squatters Demand Justice Amid Corruption Allegations
Residents occupying land formerly owned by the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) in Mavoko, Machakos County, are appealing to the government to investigate alleged corruption and bribery in the land regularization process.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), tasked with overseeing the process after acquiring the land from EAPCC to offset a debt, has set a payment deadline of Ksh.200,000 per plot. Many squatters, however, claim brokers are demanding exorbitant fees, with allegations of demands as high as Ksh.30 million being made under threats of eviction.
Struggles of the Squatters
Residents, who have occupied the land for over a decade, say they are unable to meet the financial requirements within the stipulated timeframe.
- Richard Nyongesa, a resident since 2015, shared his plight:“I took a loan of Ksh.400,000 to build my house. Now we’re asked for Ksh.200,000 without clarity on the final land cost. We need more time to plan.”
- Regina Syokau, a mother of five, expressed her inability to raise the funds:“I rely on casual jobs like washing clothes. Ksh.200,000 is impossible for me.”
Residents argue that assumptions based on a few well-built homes do not reflect the financial struggles faced by the majority of occupants.
KCB and Stakeholder Response
KCB’s lead on the process, Njuguna Njoroge, dismissed allegations of corruption, assuring transparency and accountability in the exercise.
- Njuguna Njoroge clarified:“The Ksh.200,000 covers survey, valuation, and administrative costs. There are no reserved parcels for senior officials, and the account handling payments is public.”
Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko urged residents to utilize the opportunity and avoid misinformation during a stakeholder meeting last month.
Squatters’ Demands
- Extension of Deadline: Many squatters have asked KCB to extend the payment deadline to allow them to organize their finances.
- Government Probe: They want investigations into alleged corruption and threats by brokers reportedly exploiting the situation.
As the deadline looms, tensions remain high, with squatters fearing potential eviction despite their long-term investments in the land.
Background
EAPCC handed over the 1,145-hectare land to KCB as part of debt settlement. The bank is facilitating the regularization process to allocate the land to squatters, but unresolved issues threaten the process’s smooth implementation.
