Court pauses validation of valuation roll as Nakuru residents raise concerns
An ariel view of Nakuru city.
The land valuation roll row, rages on Nakuru residents.
One of the contentious issues is the payment of Sh 1,000 by anyone who fills the the rate objections forms
Human rights defender, David Kuria says, "Why would you charge someone to hand in their complaints with regards to the parcel of land they own? This is outrageous. Considering the hard economic times that most of the residents in Nakuru are currently undergoing, it would be unfair to make then incur an extra cost during this inspection period," he says.
David Kuria during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on September 17, 2024.
James Kagoro, a land owner in Nakuru Town east agrees with David Kuria and sees the fee as a way of locking out people from tabling their objections.
"I do not see the essence of asking someone to pay you, just because they have brought a complain with regards to issues surrounding their parcel of land. There is no clear justification as to why individuals are required to pay the sh. 1000" Mr Kagoro says.
He continues, "There are those who may have queries here and there with their properties, yet they lack the funds. Does that mean they will not be served? This whole issue is very unfair."
John Gethanga on his part says that the fee is a mechanism that the county executive is using to make sure that everyone follows suit with little resistant and opposition to the land valuation roll process.
John Gethanga during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on September 17, 2024.
"I see no reason as to why someone would have to pay sh. 1000, yet whatever they are doing is just bringing to the attention of the authority, areas where they feel there are irregularities with regards to the information pertaining to their land," he laments.
The matter regarding the land valuation roll has now moved to court, with Dr. Julius Wainaina and 210 others taking the Nakuru County Government to the Environment and Land Court over the Nakuru County Valuation Roll 2017.
The case was mentioned on September 16 before Justice Millicent Odeny who directed the applicants serve the county government with the court documents within seven days, where the county will also respond within the same period of time.
"Temporary conservatory orders are here by granted staying the process of validation of the Nakuru County Valuation Roll 2017 by the respondents, pending hearing of the application inter partes" reads part of the document.