Portland Land Dispute: Mavoko squatters urge govt to launch probe, ask KCB for extended regularisation period

Squatters claiming ownership of the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) land in Mavoko, Machakos County, are calling on the government to investigate allegations of corruption and bribery that they claim have marred the ongoing land regularization process overseen by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

During a last-minute rush to regularize their land parcels, the squatters voiced concerns over the tight deadline set by KCB for the payment of Ksh.200,000 regularization fee with many indicating that they are unable to meet the financial requirement within the given timeframe.

Some of them who spoke to Citizen Digital on condition of anonymity claimed that brokers have infiltrated the regularization process by demanding over Ksh.30 million from them.

They allege that these demands are driven by interests from high-ranking government officials, questioning why they should pay such exorbitant amounts while others are not subjected to similar financial burdens.

According to them, a particular broker has been central to the corruption, threatening them with the loss of their land if they do not pay the exorbitant amounts demanded.

The squatters are now calling for immediate action from KCB, pointing out that many left their homes more than 13 years ago and have invested significantly in the land, including building houses.

While admitting that they are willing to comply with the regularization fee, some individuals assert they will not agree to pay it until the Ksh.30 million demand is addressed.

One of the squatters Richard Nyongesa avers that many have been desperate to pay the required amount to avoid losing their property before Wednesday's deadline.

Nyongesa who has resided in the land since 2015, also voiced concerns that even if the regularization process is completed, the land might still be sold at a high price. He mentioned taking a loan of Ksh.400,000 to build his house, which he is servicing.

“Sisi ndio tulishika shamba kitambo sana. KCB imetuambia tulipe Ksh.200k na bado hatujui bei ya shamba itakua ni how much. Mimi niliingia hapa 2015 wakati Mohamed Swazuri alisema tuingie na Ksh.50K. Tunaomba kama wangeongeza muda atleast watu wajipange,” he explained.

Another squatter, Regina Syokau, underscored that during her 12 years of residence, she has faced frequent threats despite her hard work and efforts to build her home.

She pointed out that those who have constructed large houses have created the impression that all residents on the 1,145-hectare piece of land are wealthy, whereas the majority are actually struggling financially.

The mother of five says she only relies on her "mama fua" and getting Ksh.200,000 is impossible

“Tumekaa hapa miaka kumi na mbili na vitisho mara kwa mara. Tulifanya kazi miaka mbili na tukalipwa ploti ya 40 by 80. Tulijenga na matope tukaanza kukaa. Wenye wamejenga manyumba mazuri ndio wanafanya tunakaa nikama tuko na pesa,” she said.

“Mimi naenda kufua nguo huko Green Park na Ksh.200,000 ni nyingi sana. Siwezi kuafford.”

Njuguna Njoroge, who is leading the regularization process for KCB denied claims of corruption and a broker mentioned by the squatters involved in demanding huge of money from them on sight.

He said there's accountability in the entire process and that they're are no parcels of land reserved for senior people in government.

“The bank has heard all the grievances being raised by the residents such as the extension of time and the value and they will be looked at. The valuation has not been released...the account is public and is a KCB account and you can know who is taking the money,” he said.

"It is Ksh.200,000 for a 50 by 100 plot; that covers the survey, valuation and this office. The exercise is ongoing; this is only the beginning, there are no threats.”

During a stakeholders meeting to sensitize the public on the ongoing regularisation process at the KCB site office last month, Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko urged residents to take advantage of the regularization process and not to be misled or misadvised.

EAPC had earlier handed over the land to KCB which it disposes it as compensation for a debt it owes the financial institution.