At least 1,500 members of the Zimman Settlement Scheme in Roysambu are appealing to the government to fast-track issuance of title deeds after living in fear and uncertainty for 12 years.

The group’s 214-acre land located along the Thika superhighway has experienced intermittent cases of demolition of structures reportedly built without approval by the County Government of Nairobi.

Land tussle

Previously, there have been violent confrontations between members of two rival groups fighting for control of the multi-billion scheme, often leading to bloodshed.

The Chairperson Margaret Wanyoike assured members that the county government has agreed to give approvals for building plans after a recent meeting between them and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Speaking during an annual general meeting held under heavy security presence next to the Zimmerman Police post, Ms Wanyoike assured members that there will be no more demolitions and that her office is pushing for the land titles.

She regretted that the previous management team had done multiple allocations of plots, but explained that her office has since streamlined this and ensured each allottee got their rightful parcels of land.

“It has not been easy and our members were living in fear, but we want to assure them that there will be no more demolition of houses,” Wanyoike, who was accompanied by the scheme Secretary General Michael Karanja, said.

She condemned a cartel of “briefcase brokers” who were collecting money from investors, purporting to be office bearers.

Karanja on his part said initially there was a scare after word went round that a group was planning to storm the meeting, prompting organizers to tighten security.

Members led by Hannah Wanjiku and Nancy Mwangi reiterated the need for government to speed up the process of title deeds after a 12-year wait.