Senate Committee on Roads, Housing and Transportation held a meeting with Governor of Kajiado County, Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku in respect of the Petition concerning access to title deeds for properties bought at Jamii Bora estate, Kisaju, Kajiado County.

The Governor said that Kisaju Estate developed by Ms. Sofia Ingrid Munro was initially meant to be housing units for the poor from slums of Nairob; Korogocho, Kibera and Mathare.

However, Ms. Sofia Ingrid turned the housing development from charity to commercial development therefore attracting rent and rates from the County Government of Kajiado. 

"We granted change of user; from agricultural use to commercial and residential development therefore the Jamii Bora Estate directors should surrender the mother title for sub-division to take place and the owners of the properties in Kisaju Estate to get their title deeds." Said Governor Ole Lenku.

The Governor further told the committee that since the change of user was effected, the Jamii Bora Charitable Trust seized to be a Trust therefore liable to rents and rates amounting to Ksh. 1,069,634,990/- 

Chairperson of the Committee, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa asked the Governor why the County Government of Kajiado charged Jamii Bora Estate Limited, rates and rent for 5,871 plots instead of the two parcels of land

The Kajiado County Executive for Finance, Economic Planning and ICT told the committee that the County Government of Kajiado enforces revenue collection through Finance Act which requires individuals and entities to pay annually, and failure to pay taxes attracts penalties. 

Further, the County Executive Committee Member explained to the committee that the utilized 700 plots. The Trust requested to settle the outstanding debt on the 700 plots first as they liaise with the donors on settlement of the outstanding debt. 

Jamii Bora Trust made payment of Ksh. 17, 150,000/- for the developed 700 plots which are occupied in 51 acres of land.  

The Committee Vice Chairperson, Sen. Peris Tobiko asked the Governor to fast-track the process of sub-division of the Kisaju Estate land so that the residents can get title deeds. 

The Governor assured the committee that in two weeks time, the County Government of Kajiado will provide the Committee with detailed legal documents demonstrating how the Jamii Bora Estate Limited accrued a debt of one billion shillings in rent and rates.