The National Land Commission on Thursday stopped the development of an 800-acre land in Nakuru's Pipeline in that had been earmarked for the construction of an airport.
This follows the alarm raised by residents, formerly internally displaced persons, that some individuals had started the sub-division of the land.
Speaking during a tour of the land, Nakuru County NLC chief executive Frank Kibelekenya said the records in their possession show that the land was bought in the 1980s by the government with the aim of constructing a modern airport and although the initial purpose has been disputed, the land belongs to the public.
“Although there have been issues surrounding the setting up of the airport in the specific location, the land still belongs to the public,” said Kibelekenya.
He urged developers of the land to visit the NLC offices and present their side of the story on how they gained access of the land.
He said the land was still government property and that if the land will be found unsuitable for an airport, the county government will decide what public facility to occupy the space.
The residents said they would not allow development on the land as they had been protecting it since it was declared a public land.
Alice Kalika, a resident, said the developers of the land claimed they had been sent from the national government because the initial plan of the land had changed.
“We have always been waiting for the construction of the airport which we believe will change our lives and our future generations,” said Kalika.
She added that the piece of land has been used by former IDPs to grow food crops over the years after the government gave them the go ahead.
“The government allowed us to farm on the piece of land on condition that when it was time to construct the airport, we would move away,” she said.
Patrick Njoroge, another resident, said the construction of the airport had taken long following controversies that its location close to Lake Nakuru National Park would affect the ecosystem.
“Some of the stakeholders claimed that the airport was on the route normally used by flamingoes to the park and that it would send them away and cause accidents. The area lacks basic facilities like hospitals and schools, the land could be used for the purpose,” said Mr Njoroge.
Kibelekenya said anyone found on the piece of land illegally would be arrested.