William Ruto as Master of Illusion: How Finance Bill 2024 Has Changed Land Ownership in Kenya Forever

Hidden deep within the labyrinthine provisions of Finance Bill 2024—derisively dubbed "Satan's Bill" by Kenyans—is a clause that will fundamentally alter land ownership in Kenya.

In essence, President William Ruto is poised to transform freehold land into leasehold land, effectively turning private property into state-leased assets.

This manoeuvre has far-reaching implications, and it is crucial that Kenyans understand how their land, once a symbol of enduring ownership and autonomy, is now at risk of being co-opted by the Ruto government.

The Transition from Freehold to Leasehold

Freehold tenure in Kenya historically provided absolute ownership of land and property. This form of tenure allowed individuals to possess land indefinitely, giving them complete control and ownership rights.

In stark contrast, leasehold tenure offers temporary ownership, typically capped at 99 years as per the Kenyan Constitution. With the enactment of the Finance Bill 2024 last Thursday, all land previously held under freehold tenure will be reclassified as leasehold, significantly altering the landscape of property ownership in Kenya.

Implications for Suburban and Rural Landowners

The impact of this transition will be most acutely felt in suburban and rural areas, where the majority of land is currently held under freehold tenure.

Nairobi suburbs such as Rongai, Kitengela, and Kiserian, as well as vast rural expanses, will see their status change from freehold to leasehold. This shift introduces several new obligations for landowners, including the payment of land rates and the need for lease renewals, which were previously unnecessary under freehold tenure.

Why Finance Bill 2024 MUST Pass for Ruto

William Ruto's motivation for pushing the Finance Bill 2024 is clear: it offers a strategic avenue for him personally to consolidate control over Kenya's land resources while generating substantial revenue for his government.

1. Revenue Generation through Land Rates and Levies: By converting all land to leasehold, Ruto's government can impose land rates and service levies on every parcel of land within Kenya's borders. This move guarantees a steady stream of income, as every resident must either directly or indirectly contribute to these payments.

2. Exploitation of Pensioners and Ancestral Landowners: The bill targets vulnerable populations, including pensioners and rural landowners, who may struggle to pay the new land rates or remain unaware of these obligations. Under current legislation, failure to pay land rates can result in the repossession of property by the government, allowing Ruto's administration unprecedented acquisition of vast tracts of land with minimal resistance. And the general population will be none the wiser.

3. Facilitation of Land Grabs: The bill paves the way for the systematic appropriation of both public and private land by corrupt officials and political cronies. As leases expire, there is no guarantee of renewal, creating opportunities for government insiders to seize desirable properties. This aspect of the bill aligns with Ruto's lifelong ambition to surpass the Kenyatta family's vast land holdings, cementing his status as the dominant landowner in Kenya.

4. Succession and Property Rights: The transition to leasehold tenure complicates succession planning. As property leases near expiration, the land effectively becomes available to the highest bidder, potentially disrupting the inheritance plans of countless Kenyan families.

The Broader Context: A Strategic Nationwide Land Grab

The ramifications of the Finance Bill 2024 extend beyond individual landowners. It represents a calculated strategy to centralise control over Kenya's land resources, ensuring that the government—and by extension, President Ruto—can exert influence over every parcel of land within the country's borders.

The Case of Foreign Landowners

A significant portion of Nairobi and other major urban centres is already owned by foreign nationals, particularly those of Somali and Indian descent.

The Finance Bill 2024 further facilitates the integration of these groups into Kenyan society by legally legitimising their land purchases. This provision could result in a demographic shift, as foreign landowners gain legal standing and potentially displace native Kenyans from their ancestral lands.

Corruption and Land Redistribution

The bill also opens the door for increased corruption within the land administration system. Unscrupulous government officials can exploit the lease renewal process to appropriate land, often targeting properties they have long coveted.

This potential for abuse underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of land policies.

A Scathing Indictment of Ruto's Naked Greed

The Finance Bill 2024 is more than just a piece of legislation; it is a testament to William Ruto's insatiable greed for land, a tendency that has seen Kenyans christen him "Arap Mashamba."

His drive to surpass the legendary wealth of the Kenyatta family reveals a deep-seated ambition to dominate Kenya's land resources, regardless of the social and economic consequences. This bill, if signed into law, will alter the fabric of land ownership in Kenya, transforming private property into state-controlled assets and placing unprecedented power in the hands of the government.

The implications of this bill are profound and far-reaching. It threatens the autonomy of Kenyan landowners, disrupts the stability of rural and suburban communities, and facilitates corruption within the land administration system.

As the debate over the Finance Bill 2024 continues, it is imperative for Kenyans to remain vigilant and resist policies that undermine their rights and heritage.