The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been given a 10.4-hectare parcel of public land.
According to a gazette notice, the piece of land located in Wajir has been given to KRA for the establishment of a trade facilitation centre.
The move follows a directive from the National Land Commission (NLC). Further, the notice indicated that the reserved land, identified as L.R. No. 33888, is intended exclusively for trade facilitation purposes.
KRA will be required to submit a development plan within 180 days to the NLC for approval, detailing how the land will be utilized in compliance with regulatory and environmental guidelines.
“The management body shall pay such rates, ground rent, duties, assessments or outgoings payable to the National Government and County Government from time to time,” the notice read in part.
However, there are strict measures that KRA will have to comply with to use the land.
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Strict Measures Given to KRA Over the Land
The National Land Commission has imposed several conditions on the management of the land including that KRA cannot transfer or lease the land or any part of it without its consent.
Further, the commission has noted that the development plan must align with physical planning regulations, environmental conservation laws, and constitutional values.
Also, KRA must submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing any construction on the parcel of land.
The commission has also directed that at least 10 per cent of the land must be covered with trees and vegetation in line with sustainability goals and that KRA must show commitment to Green and Sustainable Development
The directive has also emphasized the adoption of climate-smart and sustainable practices, requiring KRA to integrate circular economy principles, including waste elimination, recycling, and composting.
They must also integrate nature regeneration sustainable landscape management and technologies that reduce carbon footprints and emissions.
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Why has the Authority Been Given the Land?
The government has allocated the land to the authority to enhance cross-border trade and improve revenue collection efficiency in the northern region.
Wajir, which serves as a critical trade corridor between Kenya and Somalia is expected to consequently benefit from improved logistics and streamlined operations through the planned facility.
“The management body shall ensure proper documentation, stock-take, monitoring and reporting of the land-scape level critical biodiversity resources including measures taken towards their protection and conservation,” explained the notice.
However, if the authority does not meet the conditions issued, it can lead to a revocation of the land reservation.
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