Politicians in Kericho and Bomet counties are agitating for compensation for the large tracts of land owned by multi-national tea companies. They are specifically directing their campaign at the British government on the basis that many of the giant tea estates are owned by British firms. If the feeling is that the people were dispossessed of their land and heritage when the multinational firms stayed on after Independence, there may be need for redress. It is imperative, however, that the leaders driving the campaign study closely the circumstances under which the tea companies exist, and in particular the Independence settlement and the obligations of both the British and Kenyan governments. It is also important to establish the ownership of the companies in question, for some could be Kenyan-owned, whether through private local holdings or through State corporations. It is only after establishing the history and the facts that the campaign, if found justifiable, can then be directed to the responsible entities. Care must be taken, however, that the move does not lead to incitement to land invasions. That would serve only to kill the most lucrative economic bedrock of the region. ___________________________________
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 04:25:54 +0000