The latest from Nyandarua county indicates that the governor is seeking the return of about 70 acres of land around the Magumu area.
The parcel of land has a lot of intrigues thanks to the controversy generated about 2 years ago when a private developer acquired the property. In a show of defiance, a couple of angry residents took to the streets in protest against the new move.
Governor Francis Kimemia announced yesterday that his administration was negotiating with the landowner to revert it to the public and make it a commercial hub.
According to records, the land was allocated to the public on January 1, 1960, on a 99-year leasehold, but was acquired by investors who wanted to convert it into a cemetery and build a five-star hotel.
However, Mr. Kimemia argued that a cemetery was not viable because the land was near an international highway and his administration was keen to repossess it.“We cannot allow a cemetery to be welcoming people to Nyandarua. That is why we want to re-plan the land and set aside sites for various projects to help residents.”
Speaking to the press in his office, the governor said the land would be converted into a logistics center for horticulture farmers.
Once complete, the center is expected to attract produce destined for both local and international markets and boost the area’s economy.