Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki has threatened to seize the whole 500-acre Kairini land belonging to Chuka University if the institution fails to co-operate in surrendering 100 acres of the land for an economic industrial park as directed by President Ruto.
Speaking at Kithukio during his county-wide issuance of free certified seeds, Njuki said the land was given out by the public who will benefit from the industrial park once established.
“The Head of State has directed that the university surrenders 100 acres for the industrial park project. So if they can’t listen to me as the governor, let them hear from the president since we are speaking in one voice,” said Njuki.
He said the university should move with speed and hive the required land failure to which the county will seize the whole land and decide what to do with it later on.
The governor termed the protests by the University’s staff against the directive as futile.
He was backed by Administration and Devolution CECM Muthini Karangi who seemed to hit at the varsity’s former VC, Professor Erustus Njoka, for sabotaging the project.
Mugwe Ward MCA Jacob Murimi Ndeke, who is also agriculture committee chair in the County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi, said the land is currently inhabited by monkeys and it is time to put it into rightful use.
Expressing similar sentiments, Igambang’ombe ward MCA Njeru Ing’ara said residents have agreed that the land should be surrendered to county government for the project.
Mariani Ward boss, Anita Karimi Mbae also supported the project which she said will help in creating job opportunities to locals alongside opening up the locality for other development projects.
The industrial park, according to governor Njuki, will avail 5,000 jobs to residents in the County.
The county and national government will both inject Ksh 100 million towards the project while the donor community will further fund the project with Ksh 1.2 billion for equipping, bringing the total cost of the project to Ksh 1.4 billion.
By John Majau
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