President William Ruto has pledged to return 90 per cent of the 240,000 acres of land he said was unjustly appropriated by colonial authorities for Magadi Soda mining to the local community.

Ruto said the Government will also accelerate the issuance of title deeds to residents of Magadi, Kajiado County, as part of efforts to ensure local communities benefit directly from land and natural resources in their area.

“We will return to the local community 90 per cent of the 240,000 acres that were unjustly appropriated by the colonial authorities for Magadi Soda Mining even as we accelerate the issuance of title deeds to residents in the area,” Ruto said.

The President said the Government's priority is to ensure residents of Magadi benefit meaningfully from the resources found on their land while investors operate responsibly and contribute to the local economy.

Ruto Pledges to Return 90% of 240,000 Acres Taken for Magadi Soda Mining

Government to Restore Water Supply in Magadi

Ruto also announced measures to address the water shortage affecting residents of Magadi.

He said the Ministry of Water will restore water supply to the people of Magadi by next week.

The announcement comes as the Government seeks to address basic service delivery challenges affecting residents in an area that hosts major economic activities.

Kajiado County to Take Over Magadi Hospital

On healthcare, Ruto said the Kajiado County Government will take over operations of the local hospital in Magadi Town.

The move is expected to ensure residents continue accessing health services without disruption.

The President said the Government would continue working with county authorities to improve essential services and ensure communities living in resource-rich areas benefit from public investments.

KSh500 Million Nguruman Irrigation Project

Ruto also launched the rehabilitation of the Nguruman Block A Irrigation Project at a cost of KSh500 million.

The project will put 2,000 acres of land under irrigation, with the Government expecting the investment to increase agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

The rehabilitation is part of efforts to expand irrigation, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen household incomes in the region.

Ruto said investments in irrigation are important in unlocking the agricultural potential of areas that have traditionally relied heavily on rainfall.

Focus on Community Benefits

The President's announcements place renewed focus on the relationship between local communities, land ownership and investments involving natural resources.

Ruto said residents should benefit meaningfully from economic activities taking place on their land, while investors should operate responsibly and contribute to the local economy.

The planned return of a substantial portion of the land, alongside the acceleration of title deed issuance, could therefore have significant implications for residents of Magadi and the wider Kajiado County.

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Ruto Pledges to Return 90% of 240,000 Acres Taken for Magadi Soda Mining