Mutomo landowners to get millions in Mama Ngina University expansion plan

• The land was acquired by the government to pave way for the expansion of Mama Ngina University.

• The university was constructed in 2019 on 10.3 acres and the management has been seeking 40 acres for expansion.

Each of the 191 property owners will receive a minimum of Sh10 million for their quarter-acre plots

A dispute over the compensation of land to allow for the expansion of Mama Ngina University in Mutomo village, Gatundu, in Kiambu has been resolved.

In the deal brokered by the National Land Commission, each of the 191 property owners will receive a minimum of Sh10 million for their quarter-acre plots. The highest amount to be paid per plot is Sh35 million.

The land was acquired by the government to pave way for the expansion of Mama Ngina University.

The university was constructed in 2019 on 10.3 acres and the management has been seeking 40 acres for expansion.

NLC valuer and project team leader Doricah Buyaki said the compensation cash will vary depending on developments in the property.

Speaking to journalists during the signing of the award agreement by the landowners at the university premises, Buyaki said residents have between two weeks and one month to vacate the land once they receive their compensation.

“We are glad that all parties involved have reached consensus and it’s a win-win situation. The finalisation of the stand-off has come after extensive negotiations between NLC, the landowners and the university,” Buyaki said.

However, seven of the landowners have disputed the deal.

The chairman of the landowners, Harun Gacheru, said the compensation is a big milestone and a relief to residents.

“The affected persons have received financial literacy training from National Bank of Kenya officials to help them make informed financial decisions once they receive their compensation cash,” Gacheru said.

He explained the land in question is not ancestral but part of a settlement scheme in which most of the owners of the plots have bigger chunks of land elsewhere.

Peter Ndichu, a beneficiary, said he will build commercial buildings and buy another piece of land. He advised those who will be compensated to spend their cash wisely.

Resident Peninnah Wangari pleaded with NLC to give them more time to vacate the land, saying the 15 days given is too short and would affect their children who are still in school.

Article by :

JOHN KAMAU, Correspondent, The Star