NAIVASHA: Isahakia community protest bid to remove them from their land

Women from the Isahakia community in Naivasha on Wednesday when they turn up to voice anger over planned displacement. (Courtesy)

NAIVASHA—The planned construction of more than 2,000 low-cost houses in Naivasha hangs in the balance over a land tussle involving local authorities and the community.

Members of the Isahakia community have laid claim on the land in question, accusing the World Bank and the county government, who are behind the project, of trying to grab it.

During a demonstration yesterday, community members produced legal documents to probe ownership.

Under the project, the World Bank is to construct 2,160 housing units in conjunction with the county government, targeting middle-income earners.

Addressing the press, community chairman Ali Faarah said they were shocked to learn that the county had allocated the land for the project.

Mr Faarah called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene, saying several members had died while awaiting settlement.

“We were the first community to arrive in Naivasha in the 18th Century, but we have suffered under successive governments,” he said.

The documents from the National Land Commission indicates that the Isahakia community had been allocated three parcels of land, including the contentious one.

Zainabu Mohammed said they met the President on two occasions over their resettlement.

Ms Mohammed accused the county government of ignoring a presidential directive that they be resettled on the land

Kulan Post reached out to the local authorities for comment. Our calls and texts went unanswered.