This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, the High Court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear Del Monte Kenya's leasehold petition, citing that the central issue in the petition was about the renewal of leases, which the company claimed had been withheld by Murang'a County government.
Del Monte Kenya has been locked in a dispute with the County Government of Murang'a over the renewal of its lease, which the company claims has been withheld since 2012.
"The Court's pronouncement that it lacks jurisdiction and that the issues should be handled by the Environmental and Land Court, will only serve to further delay a process that Del Monte Kenya has attempted to resolve amicably with the County Government of Murang'a since 2012," said Stergios Gkaliamoutsas, Managing Director Del Monte Kenya Limited.
Justices Kanyi Kimondo, Chacha Mwita, and Winfrida Okwany ruled that the matter was intrinsically connected to the use and title to land, a matter that is within the mandate of the Environment and Land Court.
Del Monte Kenya has not indicated what steps it will take but has stated that it is seeking a solution to the situation.
