Residents of Giaki in Nyaki East Ward have endorsed a proposal to reserve an eight-acre parcel of public land as an industrial park in a bid to protect it from alleged land grabbers. The resolution was reached during a public participation forum attended by the area MCA, local residents, officials from the Department of Lands and representatives from the National Land Commission.
Speaking during the meeting, Nyaki East MCA Kinyua Muuna said the land is the portion that remained after part of the larger parcel was allocated to Meru National Polytechnic. He said local leaders and residents have become increasingly concerned after reports emerged that unknown individuals were eyeing the land.
“Today we have discussed the remaining eight-acre parcel under reference number 7406, following the allocation of part of the land to Meru National Polytechnic. After consultations with residents and relevant land officials, we have agreed to change its reservation to Giaki Industrial Park to protect it from possible grabbing,” said Kinyua Muuna.
Nyaki East MCA Kinyua Muuna. Photo by Benjamin Muriuki
The MCA noted that the decision to reserve the land was informed by fears that leaving it without a clear purpose would expose it to illegal acquisition. He explained that setting it aside for industrial development would secure it for future community projects and prevent private individuals from taking advantage of loopholes in public land management.
Muuna told residents that the community stands to benefit more if the land is preserved for public use instead of being subdivided or taken over by individuals. He added that the area could in future attract government-backed development projects capable of creating jobs and improving the local economy.
“Reserving this land ensures it is protected for future generations and that residents can benefit from future development. If the government or any institution plans to establish an industrial park here, the land will already be set aside for that purpose,” he said.
Nyaki East MCA Kinyua Muuna addresses the residents.Photo by Benjamin Muriuki.
The MCA also criticized unnamed individuals whom he accused of spreading propaganda and engaging in underhand tactics to frustrate efforts aimed at protecting the land. Muuna noted that some of those behind the alleged attempts were taking advantage of the political season to spread misinformation and discredit leaders supporting the reservation plan.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and work together in safeguarding public resources, arguing that communities often suffer when public land is left vulnerable to private interests. Muuna maintained that residents were now more informed and aware of the schemes allegedly being used to target the land.
“Residents understand what is happening and can clearly identify the tactics being used by individuals who want to take over this public land. We will not allow propaganda or intimidation to derail efforts meant to protect resources that belong to the people,” said Muuna.
The legislator further directed residents to remove beacons that had allegedly been placed on the land unlawfully, insisting that no individual has the authority to claim ownership of public property.
He appealed to the county government, the Department of Lands and the National Land Commission to ensure records related to the parcel are safeguarded to prevent any attempts to alter ownership details.
Residents keenly follow the proceedings. Photo by Benjamin Muriuki
Residents who attended the meeting welcomed the move, saying it would help secure the land for future generations while protecting it from individuals allegedly seeking to benefit privately from public resources. They expressed optimism that the reservation would pave the way for development projects capable of uplifting the area economically.
Agostino Kaaru, a resident, commended the MCA for spearheading efforts to protect the parcel, saying the community has long been worried about reports of attempts to interfere with the land. He noted that residents now feel reassured after the public participation exercise and the resolutions reached during the meeting.
“We appreciate our MCA for standing firm in protecting this land for the community. Residents had become worried after noticing signs that some people wanted to take over the land, but these efforts have now given us hope that the land will remain public,” said Kaaru.
Edited by John Majau
