NAIROBI, Kenya, April 6 – The National Lands Commission (NLC) has allowed Kipsigis and Nandi communities to be given unused or surplus tea estates that are owned by big multinationals.
In a Gazette Notice published today, NLC says that a survey should be done on lands owned by the tea estates to find out whether there were any surplus or residue lands to be given to them under a trust through the county governments.
NLC directed the devolved units and the multi-nationals to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Also, renewal of leases on the land will be withheld until an agreement is reached between the two parties.
This is a big boost to the county governments of Kericho and Bomet that were representing the Kipsigis, Talai, and Borowo clans against the colonial government and the Kenyan government.
“With regard to rate and rent on such lands the Commission recommends that these should be enhanced to benefit national and county governments,” NLC said in the notice.
“The Commission orders that all 999 year old leases should be converted to the Constitutional requirement of 99 years,” it added.
Likewise, for the Talai of Nandi, it recommends that a resurvey be done on residue and that extra tea lands be given to them.
A scholarship fund should also be set up to educate Talai children by the multinationals holding the land.
“With regard to rates and rent on such lands, the Commission recommends that these should be enhanced to benefit national and county governments,” it said.
“The Commission maintains that all 999 year old leases be converted to the constitutional requirement of 99 years.”
