Naivasha leaders, residents demand answers over complex built on government land

The construction of a multi-billion shilling commercial complex on government land in Naivasha has ignited a storm, with residents and leaders condemning what they term as irregular acquisition of the land.

The locals are questioning the rationale in allocating the land only three years after the demolition of dozens of businesses on the same site, on claims that they were on public land.

Furious residents and leaders turned up at the site of construction to demand answers and express their outrage over the ongoing round-the-clock construction on government land in Naivasha.

“Hii mjengo inaendelea hapa hakuna anayejua ni nani anajenga usiku na mchana,” Simon Wanango, a former MCA, said.

Led by area Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara and other local leaders, the residents want the government to make public the identity of the powerful individual said to be behind the project and allegedly enjoying state protection.

 “The president must tell Kenyans who is developing land belonging to Kenya Railways,” Jane Kihara said.

“Mradi inaendelea na wanaojenga ni watu kutoka nje, hata vijana wa hapa hawajui,” said another resident.

The once idle stretch of land along Moi Road has in recent weeks undergone a rapid transformation, with the construction of a multi-billion shilling commercial complex, petrol stations, hotels, and entertainment joints in full swing under tight security.

Ironically, the same land was cleared in 2022 when government bulldozers flattened more than 300 businesses, including a luxury hotel.

“It has not been forgotten that businesses were demolished — how a four-star hotel was destroyed by Kenya Railways. The people of Naivasha want to understand,” Kihara noted.

Eunice Muriithi, a former MCA on her part said: “Hiyo hoteli ilikuwa imegharimu pesa mingi sana, tunashangaa hii maneno inaendelea aje.”

Residents say the secrecy surrounding the project has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability.

“Tujue ni nini inaendelea, na kama ni project ya serikali mbona hakuna kibao kuonyesha,” Simon Peshi, a resident, said.

Local leaders further claim the land was donated by the Delamere family in the 1980s for the construction of a sports facility.

They are now questioning the legality of converting land meant for public use into private commercial and residential developments.