• Unsuspecting residents bought communal land from unscrupulous dealers, refuse to leave
• Airstrip to open up the region, boost economy
Mandera residents who bought land meant for expansion of the Takaba airstrip will have to vacate to allow for its expansion.
They have been told to surrender their acquisition letters. The county government yesterday said it is assessing documents of the parcels after they were grabbed and sold to unsuspecting residents.
Governor Ali Roba said they plan to improve air transport and land grabbers will not stand in their way. He accused powerful individuals whom he did not name of inciting residents against the projects. Occupants have refused to leave, leading to a stalemate.
The airstrip, including the grabbed land, will be fenced to prevent further encroachment. Deputy county commissioner Kiprotich Labert said the national government will work with the county to settle land disputes so the project can commence immediately.
Most land in the county is communal but the county administration bought the portion for the project. Illegal land dealers encroached on it, acquired fake documents and sold it.
Roba said the project is excellent and all residents should support it. He spoke in Takaba town after meeting elders, political leaders, women and youth.
“We all know the many benefits of an e airstrip. It will open up the area to the rest of the country and boost our economy," he said.
The county will no longer tolerate land theft, Roba said. It will restructure its Lands department to seal loopholes exploited by racketeers to sell public plots. Roba said the national government will help.
The county will also ensure proper subdivision so legitimate landowners are not dispossessed. Lands registry files up to 2008 will be used to determine actual landowners. The last subdivision was in 2008.