The National Land Commission has ordered Del Monte to conduct land surveys and relinquish unregistered territory in Murang’a and Kiambu counties, marking a pivotal step in resolving long-standing land disputes dating back to colonial-era displacements.
The directive requires the American fruit processor to surrender any land not officially registered under its name, with surplus areas to be allocated to local claimants and county governments in a 70:30 ratio. The commission’s gazette notice stipulates that unutilized land must be transferred to communities, while public utilities on the property should be handed over to relevant government agencies regardless of lease status.
The Kandara Residents Association (KRA) had previously presented evidence of historical grievances during a 2018 public hearing, citing forced evictions, property destruction, and human rights abuses by Del Monte and colonial authorities. Community members allege their ancestors were displaced from ancestral farmland, which was later occupied by World War I and II veterans under colonial land grants.
Historical records show the land transitioned from Agro-French’s sisal operations to Kenya Canners’ pineapple plantations before Del Monte’s acquisition. The company currently utilizes 15,000 of its 22,000 leased acres, leaving 7,500 acres underused. A recent memorandum of understanding between Kiambu County and Del Monte released 635 acres for local use but extended the firm’s lease on 8,000 acres, leaving resettlement plans uncertain.
