Land Grabbing: How Kenyans Lose Ancestral Lands To Daring Grabbers

A video doing rounds on social media in Kenya on land grabbing attempts has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage from netizens. This video is that of Jack Githae a renowned herbalist who doubles as a Mau Mau fighter who alleged that county government of Nyeri sent some goons to forcefully evict him from his ancestrally inherited land.

Githae narrates that his six acres of land he has over four thousand indigenous species of trees that he solely uses for medicinal purposes. He further claimed that he has been physically abused in a bid to eject him from his land.

“They are beating me like a kid, they descended on me from all directions. This land has been in my family possession since way back and all over it lies my indigenous trees that I use to treat people,” Githae claims.

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According to Thumbi Tv a local station that reported on the case, Githae is not the only victim reported from Nyeri county, many other people have lost their lands thrugh lands grabbing. The herbalist said that he has reported the case to the police but no help is forthcoming.

Others has been victims of scammers who pause as companies or holdings, they target large tracks of land and especially of those who can’t easily fight for their rights. Residents living at Kondoo Farm 3 in Uasin Gishu accuses Kaptoror Holdings for allegedly grabbing their land. Area spiritual leader, Bishop Paul Githonga said the land in question appears to have two title deeds, one held by residents and the other by Kaptoror Holding, begging a question on which title deed is valid.

“Now we have heard that this land has been given away to Kaptoror, it is 575 Hactares of land, has over 77 families and 4000 residents. Our question is, which is the real title deed, is it the ones that has been in our possession or is it the one that was just given to Kaptoror,” Bishop Githonga posed.

Over a long time, land grabbing has been a major setback in most countries across the continent. Some of the land grabbing cases and evictions have been linked to carbon credits, a carbon-sink climate initiative such as the case that of Maasai community in Arusha, Tanzania which claimed to have been forcefully evicted from their ancestral lands.

It is estimated that over 200,000 title deeds have been created recently as a result of land grabbing cases in Kenya according to Ndungu’s report. This is alarming considering that many such cases are never reported. The perpetrators target unsuspecting citizens who know little about land policies, land rights and legal processes needed if they fall victims of land grabbers.

According to Buy Rent Kenya Agency, precautions are always a mandatory to safeguard your land from grabbers. Start by conducting thorough due diligence before purchasing any land. Perform an official title search at the Ministry of Lands to confirm ownership details and ensure there are no disputes or encumbrances. Engage a licensed surveyor to verify that the land matches the details on the title deed. Additionally, consult with neighbors, local leaders, and previous owners for insights into the land’s history.

Working with reputable real estate companies is another critical step. Avoid purchasing land directly from individuals, especially if the deal seems rushed or unusually cheap. Instead, collaborate with established real estate firms registered with the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) that possess a proven track record. These companies often conduct their own due diligence and may offer guarantees such as title insurance.

Hiring a qualified real estate lawyer ensures a smooth and secure land transaction. A skilled lawyer can verify all necessary documents, identify potential red flags, and ensure that the sale agreement is legally binding. They also guide you through the title transfer process, reducing the likelihood of future legal disputes.

Considering title insurance is another way to mitigate risks in land transactions. This form of insurance protects against financial losses due to title defects, forgery, or ownership disputes, providing an additional layer of security for your investment.

Lastly, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Knowledge is power, so stay updated on land laws, common fraud tactics, and any changes in property regulations. Being well-informed enables you to recognize and avoid potential scams.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to land grabbing and ensure that your property investments are secure.