Corruption
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has asked for a public apology from Tatu City management over claims of extortion. Preston Mendenhall, the Chief Operating Officer of Tatu City yesterday held a press conference alleging that the Governor wanted free land from the real estate company worth Ksh 4.3 billion.
But in a press briefing today, Wamatangi described Mendenhall’s statements as malicious and damaging to both his reputation and the County’s image. Mendenhall had accused Governor Wamatangi of obstructing the approval of Tatu City’s development master plan which he said had derailed development of the 5,000-acre mixed-use development with Special Economic Zone status based in Kiambu County.
Wamatangi refuted the allegations, stating the entity had operated in Kiambu for 14 years without surrendering any part for public amenities. In the master plan, 406 acres of land had been reserved for public amenities; however, the Governor said that the management scaled down to 103 acres.
“The expected land to be surrendered for public use ought to be ten percent of 5000 acres which translates to 500 acres which addresses the needs of ordinary members of the public.” he said. Wamatangi explained that the said part of the land to the county government was informed by law as per the Physical and Land Use planning Act 2019 and also the development permission control regulations of 2021.
The Governor further clarified that his administration is not seeking land for personal use as claimed by Mendenhall. “My administration is not seeking land for personal or individual use. Our track record on public land speaks for itself. I have prioritised the protection and proper utilisation of public land and this is a position I will not bend or compromise.” Wamatangi said.
Wamatangi said he is willing to continue the conversation without compromising public trust and expectation. According to the Governor his request for Tatu City is to surrender 10 acres of land for social housing, 44 acres for a stadium, community centre social hall, hospital and administration office.
The Governor further justified his asking for 2 acres of land for his residence saying this is accordance to the law with the law and the Salaries and Renumeration Commission (SRC) guidelines. “For avoidance of doubt this will be a public facility registered in the name of the County Government and not in the Governor’s name “, he clarified.
The Governor said he his office has been in touch with the Tatu management through correspondence 7 times since 18th September 2023 to July 6th 2024 on the way forward towards the development assuring his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
The debate has been sparked by the Governors in approving the development of the land which has cost Sh 16 billion, (USD 125 million), in investment and created over 4,500 new jobs. Tatu City is a 5,000 acres’ special economic zone located in Kiambu County and is a flagship project of the Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint.