Fighting for Our Land

This week has been a bit disturbing for those who have had to contend with police and arrests. Moving from one department to the next to try and verify that our land is our land. Our paperwork and records, title deeds etc are all in order but it doesn't stop others from claiming that they own the land.

Last week whilst we were on the property we came across a woman and a number of sons (late teens, early twenties) destroying the property adjacent to ours. They had already run the new owner from the land who in turn has run the old man from which he bought the land from his new home.

On Monday the people who had begun to claim the adjacent land thought they would continue onto our land and remove the fence between our properties. At this point Jackson (co-founder RNCH) was contacted. he quickly went into action taking police with him to the property to remove the trespassers. They then went to the homes of the people responsible and had them arrested. When negotiations began the people were released and have been summoned to a meeting today.

Our paper work is all in order. The trespassers appear to have forged documents and paperwork that has been left unsigned. The land they are claiming that is theirs appears on a map but not on the ground. We'll see what happens?!

Always something! Just when I was surprised at our progress in just a week of me being here and the things that were coming together to begin the building process. However, we will continue to move forward!

I was beginning to think that no running water for two days was about to become a problem...especially since the last of our reserved water was used this morning...but with bigger issues some things don't seem to be such a problem.

I have no doubt it will all sort. It has been given to a big God to handle.

Still in the Planning Stages

Lots of things being discussed at the moment. The plans have been submitted to the council and other depts. We are hoping to begin the digging of a well and restoration of a small cottage that is on site.

The well is very important for building and daily living. There are two options. One to contract a machine from another town although it is more effecifient it is very expensive and may take some time to come. The alternative and what we have decided for now is to have it hand dug, which can start straight away and is less expensive. We need the money we have to go as far as possible.

There is a small cottage on the property. When you buy property you don't automatically get the buildings. They are usuually destroyed or pulled down and the materials taken for the owner to build on his new property. So the little cottage was not destroyed but the roof, windows and doors were removed. We are wanting to restore it (this week) so that a caretaker can begin to live here and also it will be a store house for tools, equipment and other needs. Currently surrounding neighbours are wanting to take claim to the property and are cutting fences for access and allowing their cows to roam. So we will quickly make the property looked cared for and have someone there at all times. Although building and preparation of land will begin this week and increased activity over the coming weeks.

Big storms are beginning to come in the evenings. Rain is on its way. The locals are saying that it has been very dry and that planting has been delayed. This could cause problems with the harvests.

We are about to start planting the part of the property not yet being developed so that we can have a harvest of food coming up to the time of moving in (mid year).

Hopefully some photos of progress next week.

Jan

Here in Kenya

I have arrived safely and already we are making plans to get the building underway. This week we will have the house plans drawn as per the local council regulations and hand them into the several offices required for approval. While we wait for approval we will mark out the site and look for quality materials at a good price.

It has been dry here but the rains are expected within the next month. Apparently we can continue to build in between down pours.

With so many things to organise several of us will be meeting to create a 'to-do' list...hopefully this will be of some help.

I'll keep you posted!