- MCAs have over the years been urging the executive to reign in increased cases of grabbing of public utility land, where they blame private developers.
- They raised the alarm over the takeover of most playgrounds and open spaces.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Nairobi Built Environment and Urban Planning executive nominee Stephen Mwangi has alleged that politicians are behind land grabbing in the city
Speaking while appearing before the Nairobi Assembly appointment committee for vetting on Tuesday, he said that politicians are to blame for the rise of land grabbing.
“Land grabbing is more political in Nairobi because politicians reward their loyalists and supporters these pieces of land,” Mwangi said.
MCAs have over the years been urging the executive to reign in increased cases of grabbing of public utility land, where they blame private developers.
They raised the alarm over the takeover of most playgrounds and open spaces.
If approved, Mwangi said he will deal with land grabbers and ensure public land is protected.
“Most land in Eastlands are grabbed and in my office will ensure that the land grabbers will face the law,” he said.
On issues of title deeds, Mwangi blamed the slow issuance of title deeds, especially to public schools.
This was after Majority whip Moses Ogeto asked the nominee whether all public schools in Nairobi have title deeds.
Nairobi county has 2,005 public primary schools and 95 secondary schools.
“Most public schools don't have title deeds,” Mwangi said.
“If approved by the assembly I would ask the assembly through its leadership to assist in the process of title deed issuance by bringing the responsible officers to question.”
MCAs have complained most public schools lack title deeds, so property risks falling prey to land grabbers and private developers
In January 2015, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Lands and the county government to issue title deeds to all schools in the name of school committees and boards of governors.
He told city leaders, including MCAS, to report stolen land.
In its tenure, Nairobi Metropolitan Services had pledged that at least 283 schools will receive title deeds as most lack deeds as proof of ownership.
It is not certain whether the schools got their title deeds or not.