Kiambu County, June 30, 2025 – A tense and highly charged session unfolded at the Kiambu County Assembly on Monday as members of the Land, Planning, and Housing Committee met with representatives from the Association of Real Estate Stakeholders (RESA). The discussion centered on controversial land policies proposed by the County Assembly, which stakeholders say threaten to cripple the real estate sector and infringe on property rights.
The RESA delegation, led by Chairman Kinyua Wairatu, Vice Chairman Dominic Thuku, Lobbying Committee Chair Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, and over 100 CEOs from affiliated real estate companies, attended the session to raise their concerns.
RESA Labels Proposed Policies as Punitive
During the session, RESA officials highlighted several key proposals they deemed unacceptable:
• Mandatory Surrender of 30% of Agricultural Land
A proposed policy would compel landowners to hand over 30% of their agricultural land for county development, which RESA strongly opposed.
• Delays in Land Approval Processes
Developers expressed frustration over prolonged delays, saying these lead to uncertainty and financial losses.
• Denial of Subdivision Approvals
RESA claims that landowners are being denied legitimate requests to subdivide land, affecting both personal and investment-related decisions.
• Continued Collection of Land Rates on Freehold Titles
Despite a gazetted amendment in December 2024, the county is reportedly still charging land rates on freehold land, contrary to national guidelines.
• Proposed Zoning Restrictions
New zoning plans would prevent subdivision of 50×100 plots in several areas, even where landowners have already mutated and developed their land.
Heated Exchange Between MCA and RESA Official
Tensions peaked during the meeting when Githiga Ward MCA Hon. Ruth Waithira accused real estate firms of conning buyers by selling land without issuing title deeds.
“Before you sell your land, come sit down with the county planners let us have modulated planning and have your titles, sell your land when you have titles,” said Hon. Waithira.
Her remarks were met with fierce opposition from RESA Lobbying Committee Chair Stephen Kigathi Kionywe.
“You cannot generalize and call us conmen. That puts us in a bad light. RESA was formed specifically to prevent fraud in the real estate sector,” he responded.
Finsco Africa CEO Points Finger at Ministry Officials
John Mwaura, CEO of Finsco Africa, added that planners at sub-county levels are responsible for sabotaging and delaying land approvals, allegedly acting on “orders from above.”
RESA Issues Ultimatum
RESA Chairman Kinyua Wairatu reaffirmed that their association is committed to professionalism and transparency in the sector.
“We want to change the narrative that all real estate companies are fraudsters. No one will lose money when dealing with RESA members,” said Wairatu.
In a bold move, RESA issued a two-week ultimatum to the county government to resolve the issues.
“We are coming to you as partners and stakeholders to have a conversation. If we cannot have a conclusive conversation, then within two weeks we will either go to court or call for a strike,” said Zuena from Finsco Africa.
Assembly Committee Promises Action
Hon. Moses Ngatha, Chair of the County Assembly Land, Planning and Housing Committee and MCA for Murera Ward, acknowledged the concerns raised and promised action.
“We’ve received your grievances, and we are committed to finding a permanent solution,” said Hon. Ngatha.
Looking Ahead
This clash between county authorities and real estate stakeholders signals a growing tension over land governance in Kiambu. As the county continues to be a hub for land investment, the outcome of this standoff will have major implications for developers, landowners, and investors alike.
A conclusive and fair resolution will be vital to safeguarding Kiambu’s real estate future.
