The Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources chaired by Nyandarua County Senator John Methu today met with Petitioners to deliberate on the Petition concerning degazettement of Land Reference No. 12493, situated in the West of Rumuruti Township, Laikipia County.

Led by Mr. Charles Waikwa, the petitioners submitted their prayers to the Committee to investigate the matter with a view to fast track the de-gazettement of the parcel of land L.R No. 12493 situated west of Rumuruti Township in Laikipia County and intervene in the matter to ensure that the County Government of Laikipia includes this area in its annual development plans and allocates budgets for establishment of social amenities, construction, grading and maintenance of infrastructure projects for equality and inclusivity.

A delegation from the National Land Commission led by the Chairperson Mr. Gershom Otachi appeared before the Committee to respond on issues raised in the aforementioned Petition. The Chairperson advised the Committee to pursue this matter with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on the de-gazettement process, after which the NLC will implement the land exchange.

The Chairperson and his team also issued responses on the following statements:-

Statement sought by Sen. Fatuma Dullo, CBS, regarding the Criteria used in computing compensation to land owners along the Horn of Africa Gateway Project in Isiolo County. Present during the submission of the responses to this Statement were Sen. Fatuma Dullo and the Member of National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency, Hon. Mohamed Bidu. The presented responses were unsatisfactory and the Commission was tasked to thoroughly review the questions raised and provide sufficient responses.

Taita Taveta County, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma's statement regarding the residents of Ikanga whose land was encroached by Kenya Ports Authority was satisfactorily responded to. 

Responses issued on Sen. Shakila Abdala's statement concerning land acquisition for the LAPSSET Programme in Lamu County, had gaps that the National Land Commission was advised to address.

Present in the meeting were;

Sen. Wahome Wamatinga

Sen. Johnes Mwaruma

Sen. Beatrice Ogolla

Sen. Mariam Omar

Sen. Fatuma Dullo

Sen. Shakila Abdalla

Sen. Julius Murgor