This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 21, 2019, the National Assembly took up the controversy surrounding the 33-year lease for an 8,700-acre nucleus estate used by Mumias Sugar Company for cane development.
The lease, which expired in 2001, has left 649 families from Mumias battling to get back the land. They argue that the miller had not sought an extension of the lease and that they were yet to be compensated by the government.
Area MP Benjamin Washiali has asked Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to provide a detailed statement to the National Assembly on the status of the nucleus estate and shed light on the government’s plans after the expiry of the lease.
Mr Washiali further wants the government to clarify whether the land has been transferred from individual ownership to the Mumias Sugar Company and whether the miller has a right to lease the land to third parties without the knowledge of its owners.
“Could the CS also confirm whether the Mumias Sugar Company Limited is interested in the nucleus land for purposes of cane development and, if not, when will the Cabinet Secretary commence the process of ensuring that the said land reverts to its original owners?” Mr Washiali posed.
A case filed by the families is currently pending before a Kisumu court, with the chairman of the affected families, Mr Kassim Wangalwa, stating that they were expecting the matter to resume but unfortunately their lawyer is bereaved and they will be back in two weeks.
