The National Assembly on Wednesday, August 9, approved a motion authorising the eviction of squatters from government land and their subsequent arrest and arraignment in court.
Bumula MP, Wamboka Wanami, tabled the motion titled Consideration of the Reports of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of State Corporations (Regulatory and Governance Agencies) in his capacity as the chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education.
The committee had raised concerns about the influx of public land-grabbing cases with government agencies said to be losing parcels lacking title deeds.
Squatters were accused of using such loopholes to encroach on the land causing the government to lose billions in assets.
In its recommendations, the committee directed the National Land Commission (NLC) and relevant ministries immediately to secure titles to parcels of land owned by State Corporations.
Every piece of government land, henceforth, will be fenced to prevent further encroachment by squatters.
Additionally, squatters and land grabbers will be charged in a court of law for trespassing.
Justifying the drastic decision, Parliament stated that the motion would enhance accountability and transparency in state corporations and the public investments sectors of governance.
Managers will also be compelled to be efficient, act prudently, and enhance commercial viability and value for money while handling government land.
Other recommendations by the Committee
The National Assembly further approved the recommendation by the Committee to have the National Treasury approve projects it can guarantee funding and completion within the medium-term economic framework.
Parliament was aggrieved by construction delays witnessed in state corporations causing costs to rise due to accrued interests.
