Thousands of squatters residing on the expansive Teita Sisal Estate in Taita-Taveta County are urging the government to expedite the issuance of title deeds to enhance their socio-economic conditions.
Despite the estate’s management ceding part of the land for their settlement, over 4,000 squatters have expressed frustration and noted no progress.
Their calls for action come despite the completion of a survey and the establishment of beacons on the more than 32,000-acre estate.
The national and county governments jointly funded the survey and demarcation.
The cost was Ksh 1.2 million, primarily in the villages of Singila and Majengo.
The estate’s managing director, Philip Kyriaz, confirmed the allocation of 284 acres, with 250 acres set aside for squatter settlement and the remaining portion for social amenities.
He reiterated that the farm management has fulfilled its obligations as per recommendations from the National Assembly regarding the settlement of longstanding residents.
Conflicting claims have now arisen, with both the farm’s management and the squatters accusing one another of encroachment.
A recent survey revealed that the squatters had encroached upon the estate’s land, although the surveyors had earmarked public utility plots for essential services like schools and police stations.
The squatters recently staged a peaceful protest in Mwatate town, demanding immediate action for their settlement.
