Lobby wants land masterplan adopted

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A Maasai herdsman grazes his cattle. Pastoralists have raised alarm over the aggressive expansion of Nairobi Metropolitan areas saying it is a threat to wildlife and the natural environment August 19, 2011. FILE 

By DAVE OPIYO
Posted  Thursday, August 25  2011 at  16:28

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A lobby group is pushing for the speedy implementation of an ambitious masterplan to assist in the management of land in Kajiado county.

The move has been fuelled by the massive sub-division of the resource, which has many led to conflicts.

Huge parcels of land has been taken up by private developers, especially in Kitengela, Kipeto, Isinya areas, which has in turn led to the proliferation of slums, rise in insecurity and environmental degradation.

Areas which had previously been earmarked for agriculture are now rapidly changing to residential, commercial and industrial areas.

Much of the subdivided land is normally fenced off, thus hindering the free movement of livestock and wildlife. 

According to Mr David ole Tenei, the chair of the Kajiado Pastoralist Forum, if these developments are not regulated, then Kajiado county will in the next five years be ‘one huge slum."

"People have subdivided land for sale to the point that it can no longer be economically viable,” Mr Tenai told the Nation Thursday.

“We are therefore asking the county council of Kajiado to implement this very important document,” he added.

According to him, the plan expected to be launched Friday will guide development in the county.

“Areas will be designated for agriculture, livestock production, industrialisation amongst others. Developments in these areas will have to follow the strict regulations that have bee set up,” said Mr Tenai.

“We want the area to be like Karen estate in Nairobi where land has been well managed. At the end of the day, we shall address issues of security, environmental degradation, while ensuring that the livelihood of the residents are safeguarded,” he added

The official said they had already collected 10,000 signatures from the county of people in support of the project.

He said his members would use all resources available to support the implementation of the plan.

The land use management plan, being the first of its kind in Kenya, was adopted by Ministry of Land in February 2010 and by Olkejuado County Council in June 2009. 

The Plan provides a framework for sustainable development alongside conservation and pastoralism.