MPs have expressed concerns about the continued holding of over 5,000 acres of land in trust for the Rift Valley National Polytechnic, previously known as the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology.

Members of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education questioned why only 200 acres, valued at Ksh.1.08 billion, have been transferred to the school, despite a 2014 law mandating the board of trustees to hand over the institution’s land.

The committee, led by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami, has summoned former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who chairs the board of trustees, to address the issue.

The land was gifted to the institution in 1972 by the late President Daniel Moi, after it was purchased by members of the public. It was then entrusted to the board of trustees to hold on behalf of the institution.

“This entire situation is illegal. If the late President Moi wanted to give land, he should have given his own. Public institution land must remain with the institution. This is why we are summoning Gideon Moi to explain this matter,” said Wamboka.

Wamboka also mentioned that, in their efforts to reclaim the land for the school, they will visit the institution to investigate why the land has not been returned, as required by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act of 2014.

Process to return land

Speaking during a committee meeting with the school’s management, led by Principal Sammy Chemoiwa, Wamboka stated:

“We will hold a meeting at the school. In two weeks, we are coming to your institution with the goal of returning the land to the public. Whether the institution agrees or not, we will ensure the land is returned,” he said.

Chemoiwa acknowledged that the institution does not hold the title deeds for the land but expressed uncertainty about the school’s ability to manage the entire property if ownership were granted.

“It’s true we don’t own the land titles. However, in my honest opinion, if all the land were returned to the institution, I would prefer someone else manage it because I doubt the institution’s capacity to sustainably manage it,” he told the committee.

His response angered committee members, who accused him of colluding with the trustees to deprive the community of its land.

“Mr. Principal, it’s clear you’re conflicted. We can see the signs. If you feel you can’t manage the land, we can find someone else to do your job. Just wait and see,” Wamboka warned.

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