Fate of Sh5bn industrial park hangs in the balance

Ms Anne Waiguru, flanked by her running mate Peter Ndambiri, addresses worshippers at Karira Catholic Church in Kirinyaga County on March 19, 2017. They plan to build an industrial park. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri said that the 250-acre land was allocated to private developers.
  • Mr Ndambiri said grabbers colluded with some former land officials to acquire the land in Sagana.

The plan to construct a Sh5bn industrial park in Kirinyaga County is in jeopardy after the land set aside was grabbed.

Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri said that the 250-acre land, which belongs to the county government, was allocated to private developers.

"This land is meant for public utility but it has been illegally taken over by highly influential personalities," he told residents at Kibingoti market on Saturday.

CORRUPTION

Mr Ndambiri said grabbers colluded with some former land officials to acquire the land in Sagana.

"We have a mega project and the land must be reverted to the government. We can’t allow few individuals to benefit from a public land," he said.

The deputy governor further observed that land grabbing in the region is rampant but his administration is working on ending it.

"Grabbing of public utility lands is rampant in the area and the vice should be fought at whatever cost," he added.

FARMERS

On transportation, he said the Kagio–Kandongu road that is in a pathetic condition will be tarmacked by the national government.

Mr Ndambiri said that farmers were delivering their produce to the market late.

"We have lobbied for the tarmacking of this road and very soon the construction work will start."