This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
Published on December 16, 2019, a Ministry of Land taskforce committee handed over a report on the state of the land, recommending alternative dispute resolution to avert any land dispute.
Thousands of squatters living on the disputed East Africa Portland Cement Company land in Kenya have called for a quick alternative dispute resolution. The 12-member committee admitted the presence of squatters on the 12,000 acres and recommended that they be probed to identify genuine squatters.
"A multi-sectoral initiative involving all stakeholders, national government, county government, the National Land Commission and local leadership should be used in future.... Parties should consider settlement out of court," the taskforce report recommended.
Speaking during their annual prayer meeting in Athi River, the squatters expressed frustration that the process had yet to start. "Some individuals have been saying they will bar any engagements involving us as locals. We are ready to engage all stakeholders to resolve the matter," said Agnes Muimi, a squatter.
The groups have been engaged in a tug of war with people who claim ownership of the land. Pius Musembi, Syokimau Mavoko Community Association chairperson, said: "We registered as organised groups to facilitate orderly living and empower one another."
