Nairobi: In a significant legal development, the court has cleared the way for members of the Siana group ranch to receive their title deeds, ending a protracted six-year dispute that prevented community members from developing their land adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision was delivered by Environment and Lands Court (ELC) Judge Justice Charles Mbogo, who dismissed the case that had been filed by Siana ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Moses Ole Sikona. Ole Sikona had challenged the division of plots by the group ranch officials and sought to halt the issuance of title deeds until the matter was resolved. However, the court found that the petition lacked merit, as the group ranch had already ceased to exist as a legal entity by the time the petition was filed, and individual title deeds had already been issued.
Kilesi Ole Sayianton, chairman of the group ranch, welcomed the judgment, expressing relief and inviting both local and foreign investors to explore opportunities on the land, which is rich in wildlife and tourism potential. He highlighted the significance of the decision, stating, "Some of our title deeds were held in court, and we were barred from doing any development on the land until the case was concluded. Today, we are celebrating the court's decision to give us what is rightfully ours."
The ranch's advocate, Martin Ole Kamwaro, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the prolonged wait for a resolution since the case was filed in 2019. He noted that the dismissal was largely due to the fact that the group ranch no longer existed when the petition was lodged. Kamwaro encouraged continued investment and tourism, emphasizing the area's appeal beyond the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Ole Sururu, a board member of the Siana Group Ranch, hailed the court's ruling as a victory that would enable members to engage in meaningful business ventures on their land. He expressed gratitude for the judiciary's role in upholding justice, remarking, "We thank our courts for upholding justice and hearing the cry of the people. Today we celebrate a big victory after waiting for six years."