This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Kenya's land ownership crisis has been a contentious issue for decades, with thousands of acres owned by non-Kenyan farmers sparking concerns about the country's future.
Published on August 9, 2019, by Magesha Ngwiri, this article highlights the emotive nature of land ownership in Kenya, where the possession of land confers enormous prestige to a few at the expense of the many who have nowhere to call home.
The article draws parallels with Leo Tolstoy's famous short story, 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?', which warns against the dangers of accumulating land for its own sake.
Kenya's history is replete with examples of land-related conflicts, including the Mbo-I-Kamiti Land-Buying Company scandal, which resulted in the execution of six directors, an accountant, and a lawyer.
Today, the issue of land ownership remains a ticking time bomb, with hundreds of poor people who bought land in the former Rift Valley Province being chased away in 2007-2008.
As the population continues to grow, while cultivable land dwindles, the pressure on vast horticultural plantations and ranches in Kiambu, Murang'a, Taita Taveta, Nandi, Kericho, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties is set to increase.
Two multinational companies, Kakuzi and Del Monte, own significant tracts of land in Kenya, with Kakuzi Plc owning an estimated 100,000 acres.
While the government insists that Del Monte owns only 2,900 acres in Murang'a County, residents claim the firm owns upwards of 22,000 acres.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative that the National Land Commission takes a more forceful approach to resolving these problems and ensuring that the rights of all Kenyans are protected.
