Voi, Kenya – A parliamentary watchdog committee has directed the National Land Commission (NLC) to urgently facilitate the recovery of a six-acre parcel in Voi Municipality that had been reserved for a National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) motor vehicle inspection centre, but is now occupied by squatters.

The land, originally set aside for public use in 1969, was first allocated to the Kenya Police Service before later being transferred to NTSA. However, over the years, the parcel has been encroached upon, with occupants erecting structures and seeking court intervention to block their eviction.

The dispute is currently before the courts, with the NLC listed as a party in the proceedings. Meanwhile, the Taita Taveta County Government has proposed allocating NTSA an alternative parcel of equal size in exchange for relinquishing the contested land to the current occupants, citing public interest.

During a fact-finding mission to Voi Town, members of the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education insisted the matter must be conclusively handled by the NLC. The commission has been directed by the court to determine the legitimacy of competing claims and recommend a resolution within 180 days.

However, deliberations exposed sharp divisions over the proposed alternative land, with lawmakers raising concerns about ownership, legal encumbrances, and whether the parcel belongs to the county government or private entities.

Kasipul MP and committee Vice Chairperson Hon. Boyd Were questioned the suitability of the proposed site.

“Is the land sufficient? We already have a stadium and a showground, and now NTSA is to be accommodated there. Is it adequate?” he asked.

The issue follows an audit query by the Auditor-General highlighting inconsistencies in NTSA’s property records for the 2024/2025 financial year. The authority reported assets worth Sh1.69 billion, including Sh264.7 million in land and buildings, but only two of 15 parcels earmarked for inspection centres have valid title deeds.

NTSA officials admitted facing prolonged challenges in securing ownership of the Voi land.

“We have been frustrated. Our board has been frustrated,” said NTSA Deputy Director for Motor Vehicle Inspection, Eng. Joel Opere.

“Every time we do a search, we find encumbrances. You don’t know whether to proceed. As custodians of public property, we must act with certainty,” he added.

MPs also raised concerns over inconsistencies surrounding the alternative parcel. Igembe Central MP Hon. Daniel Karitho noted discrepancies in land previously presented to NTSA.

“The land you are showing us today is not the same as what was initially presented to NTSA. That is not fair. The governor must intervene personally to resolve this matter,” he said.

Central Imenti MP Hon. Moses Kirima questioned ownership claims over the land, emphasizing the importance of legal documentation.

“To prove ownership of this 50-acre parcel, where is the title deed? Ownership of property is anchored on documentation; without it, there is no ownership,” he said.

He further warned of potential legal battles if the land is allocated without proper due diligence.

Kilome MP Hon. Thaddeus Nzambia echoed the concerns, stressing that the county must first secure lawful ownership before any transfer.

“Without proper documentation, that is not your property. Make it legally yours first,” he said.

County officials led by Governor Andrew Mwadime confirmed that an alternative parcel had been identified. Lands CEC Elizabeth Mkongo said the county government is working to regularise the process.

“We have planned the land and are working towards transferring it appropriately. We are engaging all stakeholders to ensure a lawful and transparent process,” she said.

The NLC, however, cautioned that any resolution must strictly follow legal procedures.

Vice-Chairperson Dr. Julia Oseko said the commission is implementing the court directive to determine the validity of competing claims and recommend appropriate remedies within the stipulated 180-day period.

“The court directed the commission to determine the propriety of the claims and make recommendations on resettlement within 180 days. That is exactly what we are doing,” she said.

NLC Director of Legal Affairs Brian Ikol confirmed that investigations are ongoing and include reviewing allocation, surrender, and transfer processes.

“We must consider all processes, including allocation, surrender and transfer of public land. These are legal procedures that fall squarely within the commission’s mandate,” he said.

As the legal and administrative process unfolds, lawmakers have maintained that the matter must be resolved transparently to safeguard public assets and ensure NTSA can proceed with plans to establish the much-needed inspection centre in Voi.