Natembeya, Murkomen commit to joint war on land grabbing in Trans Nzoia
By Kiprono Keileb, July 28, 2025Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partner with the national government in addressing rampant land grabbing and insecurity in the region.
Speaking on Monday, July 28, 2025, after hosting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at his office during the Jukwaa la Usalama tour, Natembeya said the time had come to take decisive action against historical and systemic injustices, particularly land disputes that have destabilised parts of the county.
“Our discussions zeroed in on land grabbing — a long-standing issue that continues to breed conflict. We have agreed to enhance cooperation between our two levels of government to tackle these problems and secure a future of peace and sustainable development,” Natembeya said.
The meeting took place during the 22nd chapter of Jukwaa la Usalama, an ongoing grassroots engagement initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, aimed at tightening coordination between security agencies, public administration, and county leadership.
Murkomen, who led a high-level delegation comprising senior security and government officials, began his Trans Nzoia tour by meeting the county security team before inspecting registration services at the ACC Central Division in Saboti Sub-County. The visit culminated in a town hall meeting held at the County Commissioner’s residence, where members of the public, NGAOs, local leaders, and security personnel shared concerns on local security gaps.
The Interior CS emphasised that Jukwaa la Usalama is not a public relations stunt but a practical framework for identifying threats, fostering dialogue, and implementing reforms from the ground up.
Understanding communities
“This forum allows us to understand the pulse of our communities and co-create solutions. The feedback we get here directly informs our policies on safety, identity documentation, and service delivery,” Murkomen said.
Trans Nzoia, known for its fertile land and growing population, has long struggled with irregular land allocations, illegal settlements, and inter-community tensions. Both the county and national governments have faced criticism over their slow response to land-related injustices.
However, with this renewed joint approach, residents may begin to see more decisive action.
Natembeya, who once served as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner before he was elected governor, said his experience in national administration has taught him the value of collaborative governance in restoring order and trust.
“This county deserves structured development and secure livelihoods. That can only happen when we fix the foundations — and that means land governance and justice,” he added.
The two leaders assured Trans Nzoia residents that Jukwaa la Usalama is not just a one-time event, but the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at delivering lasting, transformative change across the region.