Sen. Hezena Lemaletian has raised concerns about the longstanding land ownership dispute over Oljorai Farm in Mbaruk-Eburu Ward, Gilgil Constituency, Nakuru County.

While seeking a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the floor of the House this afternoon, the Nominated Senator asked the Lands Committee to report to the Senate the reasons for the non-implementation of the 1998 directive by the then President, the late Daniel Moi. 

President Moi had directed that the 14,000 acres of land in Oljorai Farm be allocated to the Maasai and other minor communities residing on the farm and the allocation of land in the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Mutara Ranch in Laikipia and ADC Ndabibi Farm in Naivasha to the Ruyobei group. 

Senator Lemaletian tasked the Senator John Methu-led Committee to outline the steps taken to revoke the 1997 illegal and discriminatory sale of 8,000acres of land in Phase 1 of Oljorai Farm to the Ruyobei group from Solai, Baringo County, which was done without consultation and consent of the residents. 

“The Lands Committee must provide a status update on the demarcation of Oljorai Farm, indicating when title deeds will be issued to the resident Maasai and other minor communities, who have already developed homes, schools, markets, roads and other permanent infrastructure on the farm,” she remarked. 

She further requested the Committee to outline measures that have been put in place to ensure that residents of Oljorai Farm are informed and consulted on decisions affecting the farm. 

The Lands Committee will subsequently investigate the matter and report to the House the reasons for the delay in resolving the longstanding land ownership dispute.