Some of the developments established on the 39 acres of land set to be repossessed by the state for development projects in Makuyu, Murang'a county./HANDOUTMaragua residents want the government to engage them in dialogue over 39 acres earmarked for development in Makuyu.
The land was part of a large parcel of public land that was eventually turned into private land by former councillors serving under the defunct local governments.
Decades ago, residents bought parcels, some of them settled while others farmed.
Last week, however, the government released a Part Development Plan (PDP) indicating that it planned to develop the land, and dispatched a team of surveyors to establish its boundaries.
The decision caught residents by surprise, with most of the 130 households affected wondering where they will go after their lands are repossessed by the state.
The plan drawn by the Directorate of Physical Planning indicates that the state plans to establish a stadium on 14.3 acres of the land, a primary school on 4.3 acres while a secondary school will sit on 5.21 acres.
Government offices currently occupy 8.87 acres, while 6.8 acres are occupied by Makuyu police station.
According to MP Mary Waithera, the land spans from Makuyu slaughterhouse to Gakungu area, with some parcels being in the possession of private individuals while others are owned by the government.
“We admit that all this land was owned by the government decades ago but former councilors changed the ownership of some of the parcels that were then sold to members of the public”.
Once 14 days lapse since the release of the PDP, the plan will immediately be enforced and the private land owners evicted to pave for the planned development.
Maragua MP Mary Waithera addresses Makuyu residents during a baraza on December 2, 2025/HANDOUITWaithera who spoke to residents on Tuesday, faulted the Ministry of Land for rushing to develop the PDP without engaging residents for an amicable solution.
“These people used their money to buy these plots of land. There should be engagement on how we will move forward because they can’t be left homeless,” she said.
While acknowledging the need to establish schools to complement the Sh1.8 billion Makuyu affordable housing project that will consist of 764 units, the MP noted that Makuyu Primary School is in close proximity to the project and capable of serving the new tenants.
She however noted that a new secondary school would come in handy as local students are forced to travel 7km to Gathungururu, Punda Milia (5km) or Kirimiri (7km) to access education.
“They should have sat down with us so we can also discuss the priority projects for this area,” Waithera said, adding that the state’s decision had opened up debate on how exactly the land changed hands from the government to residents.
She cited the Land Act and Regulations that require public participation to be conducted before any development is effected on public land.
Even worse, most residents were only issued with allotment letters that expire only three months after they’re issued and don’t have land ownership documents.
Makuyu residents during a baraza on December 2, 2025/HANDOUTShe said such decisions could paint state’s development projects in bad light and put the government at loggerheads with Kenyans as residents vowed to petition against the planned development of the land.
The government is also planning to establish a Sh400 million Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in Makuyu. The funds will cater for two blocks of students’ hostels, classrooms, a laboratory, library and canteen while the NGCDF will invest Sh30 million in the administration block.
An extra Sh30 million has been allocated towards the expansion of Makuyu level three hospital to a level four to cater to the new tenants at the affordable housing project and provide training to learners at the KMTC campus.
“We’re very happy for these projects because once they are complete, business activities in Makuyu town will be rejuvenated,” she said.
She however pleaded with the lands ministry to ensure law is followed in the demarcation of the land and the residents who will be evicted compensated.
Deputy county commissioner Bernard Odino confirmed receipt of the PDP but assured residents that he would include their inputs in his review.
“Barazas are a way of getting feedback from the public and your inputs have been noted,” he said.
