By Njenga Kahiro
Land is without doubt, one of the
most emotive issues in Kenya. The allure of owning a piece of earth seems to
drive everybody to abandon the most sensible expectations.
The Nairobi folks with some money
seem to have caught more than their fair share of this infection and they are
purchasing land in plains of Laikipia like there is a new precious mineral
hidden under the surface.
Most of the rural folks do not mind
this frenzy as the land that they initially thought was useless is attracting
good money. This has elicited interesting debate in the villages. Lately
streams of fancy cars have been getting stuck in the villages black cotton mud
holes and majority of the drivers have been ladies.
Most residents are of the opinion
that it is a good thing for the village to see their daughters of the soil,
purchasing land and driving big cars as it inspires the youths in the village
to work hard in order to achieve material wealth.
However, some of the residents are of
a different opinion. Losusu and Mama Mboikai are among those who are not
interested in this new breed of investors.
“We have seen this frenzy before
bushman and it did not end well. Every person no matter how foolish always
thinks there must be a greater fool than themselves,” said Losusu.
“This is the same with these young
people. They must think that they will buy a land and find a bigger fool to
sell at a higher price. It will work for some transactions and many will be
left with land they will find it difficult to sell to anyone,” added Losusu.
When given an example of the
astronomical rise of land prices along Thika Road after the construction of
Thika Superhighway and how this could also happen in the village, Losusu noted
that people who have seen books and claim to be Christians should not do such a
thing as it borders on immorality.
“The highway was constructed with tax
payer’s money. Everyone contributed so why would the few who bordered the road
benefit from a facility paid for by everyone,” posed Losusu.
It was then pointed out that market
forces are at play but Losusu and Mama Mboikai quickly countered that markets
are not perfect. It is clear that an investor stuck in the mud hole will soon
get the same lecture.
Source- People Daily Wednesday, October 29, 2014
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