Petitions Committee Assess Tarda Irrigation Project and Land Boundaries

The National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee led by Hon. Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East) today engaged the Cabinet Secretary for EAC and ASALs region, Ms Peninah Malonza, Mr. Liban Duba Managing Director Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) and the CEC Lands Tana River, Hon. Mwanajuma Hiribae.

This meeting was convened in direct response to a petition filed by Garsen MP Hon. Ali Wario. The petition regards reviewing the boundaries of the Tana Athi Delta Irrigation Project, which was part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

The backdrop to this meeting was that the County had filed a petition that was passed in court for TARDA to retain land to the benefit of the people. CEC Hiribae stated that 28 villages were affected due to being on the TARDA land. She stated that TARDA never engaged the various stakeholders on the ground.

CEC Hiribae underscored the significant impact of this land allocation by revealing that as many as 28 villages bore the brunt of this action, having been situated within TARDA’s territorial bounds. What stands out in this context is the revelation that TARDA failed to initiate public participation with the various stakeholders situated on the affected land, leading to contentious issues and the necessity of resolving this matter through formal proceedings.

The Committee sought clarification on several key aspects. They inquired about TARDA’s utilization of only 4,000 hectares out of its total 25,000-hectare land holdings, expressing a need for details regarding how TARDA acquired this land, particularly in the context of it being partly trust land. Additionally, the Committee posed questions concerning the resettlement plans for individuals currently situated on TARDA land and sought evidence of the tangible benefits accruing to the affected population. They also questioned whether the emphasis on this project was primarily due to its alignment with Vision 2030.

In response, Mr Duba reemphasized the points made by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Principal Secretary (PS), underlining the project’s critical role in national food security. He elaborated that the project is projected to yield a substantial 900,000 tonnes of food production. Mr. Duba also highlighted that the project has facilitated employment opportunities, food supply, and access to clean water for local communities. Moreover, he assured that individuals currently residing on the land would not face eviction, aligning with a directive from the President.

“There will be no displacement of the community on the ground,” said Mr. Duba.

Hon. Bwire emphasized that achieving a cordial relationship between the county government and TARDA is challenging, especially considering the county government’s legal actions against TARDA. He questioned the county’s intent in allowing Kenyans to reside on the land while remaining subject to the authority of TARDA and the Ministry.

Hon. Wario, who submitted the petition, asserted that to his knowledge, there was no meaningful public participation process. Instead, TARDA reportedly engaged a few young individuals, provided financial incentives, and deemed this as a form of public participation.

Hon. Mbai stressed the importance of implementing the Presidential directive. He underlined the directive’s key elements, including the preservation of Kenyan citizens’ right to remain in their homes without the threat of eviction. Additionally, he highlighted the need to return inactive land to the community, thus enabling them to derive sustenance from it and improve their livelihoods.