The construction of a multi-billion-shilling mall on public land in Naivasha, Nakuru County, has sparked outrage, with residents and local leaders accusing authorities of lacking transparency in the acquisition process.
Situated along Moi Road within Naivasha town, the contested land was previously owned by Kenya Railways and had remained idle for years.
In recent months, however, the area has witnessed a rapid transformation, with the construction of a shopping mall, petrol stations, hotels, and entertainment joints now underway under tight security.
Residents say the Naivasha Mall project’s secrecy has raised questions about ownership, approvals, and the legality of building on what they describe as public land.
MP Kihara Question Irregular Land Allocation
According to locals, the same piece of land was cleared by the government in 2022 when more than 300 small businesses, including a hotel, were demolished for allegedly operating illegally on government property.
They now find it ironic that a private developer has been allowed to put up a massive commercial complex on the same site that was declared public land just three years ago.
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Led by Naivasha Member of Parliament Jane Kihara, the residents are demanding that the identity of the individual or company behind the project be disclosed.
Kihara said it was only fair for the government to be transparent about the matter, especially given the historical disputes surrounding public land in Naivasha.
“The President must tell Kenyans who is developing the Kenya Railways land in Naivasha town,” said Kihara.
“People deserve to know whether the land was legally allocated and under what terms.”
Locals Decry Double Standards and Demand Transparency
The protestors expressed anger over what they termed as double standards by the authorities.
They accused government officials of favoring powerful individuals while small traders continue to suffer losses from previous demolitions.
Several residents also condemned the heavy security presence at the construction site, alleging it was meant to intimidate those questioning the project.
“If it is a government project, why is there no information board to show ownership and approvals? We want to know who is behind this construction,” said one of the residents during the demonstration.
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Local leaders further claimed the land was donated by the Delamere family in the 1980s for the construction of a sports facility to benefit the community.
They questioned how land meant for public recreation could be converted into private, commercial, and residential developments.
The controversy has intensified calls for accountability in public land management, with Naivasha residents insisting that the government must make public the details of the project and clarify how the disputed land was allocated for private use.
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