The government has commenced the process of reclaiming land grabbed from Ngong’ Forest in a move that will see several families lose their homes.
Over 800 homes built on a section of land hived off the forest have been earmarked for demolition, according to Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko.
Some of the estates targeted in the looming demolition exercise include Kenya Medical Association Estate, Lang’ata Gardens, Royal Park I, II and III, Langa’ta View Gardens, and Forest Edge. St. Mary’s Mission Hospital will not be spared either.
CS Tobiko said owners of the properties that will be brought down will not receive any form of compensation from the government since the parcels of land were acquired illegally.
“I’m at this moment declaring the immediate commencement of the recovery process of the land in the Ngong’ Road Forest that individuals have illegally acquired over the years,” said CS Tobiko, adding that the order was made by President Uhuru.
“His order is to move in forthwith and reclaim all areas of this forest other than the areas that were validly degazetted and lawfully excised for public purposes.”
“All the other parcels of this forest, whether the people on them have title deeds or not, whether they have built houses and apartments or business structures on them or not, will have their titles revoked,” he added.
He further noted that the government will erect a fence around the forest once the grabbed land is recovered.
“Once we’ve reclaimed the land, we shall fence it off using wildlife proof material. We will create a corridor that will open the entire area for wildlife,” said Tobiko.
