This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
Land Dispute in Mumias: National Assembly Intervenes ¶
On July 21, 2019, the National Assembly in Kenya took up the controversy surrounding the 8,700-acre nucleus estate used by Mumias Sugar Company for cane development.
The dispute centers around families, known as Abahuyi, who were relocated from their homes in the early 1970s to make way for the nucleus estate. The lease granted to Mumias Sugar Company expired in 2001, but the company has not sought an extension, and the families have yet to be compensated by the government.
Area MP Benjamin Washiali has asked Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to provide a detailed statement on the status of the nucleus estate and the government's plans after the lease expired.
The MP is seeking answers to whether the land has been transferred from individual ownership to Mumias Sugar Company and whether the company has the right to lease the land to third parties without the knowledge of its owners.
Mr. Washiali also asked if the Mumias Sugar Company is interested in the nucleus land for cane development and when the Cabinet Secretary will commence the process of ensuring the land reverts to its original owners.
The Speaker referred the matter to the departmental committee on Agriculture and Livestock, and a case filed by the families is currently pending before a Kisumu court.
