A simmering land conflict between Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) — a subsidiary of UK-based Camellia Plc — and the Kimasas Farmers’ Cooperative has escalated, casting a shadow over foreign investment in Kenya’s lucrative tea sector.
More than 100 local farmers have occupied 350 acres of EPK’s tea estate, asserting that the land was gifted to their community in 1986. EPK, however, maintains that only 202 acres were formally transferred, and any further claims are unlawful.
Colonial-Era Tensions
The dispute touches on historic land grievances rooted in Kenya’s colonial past, where large tracts of fertile land were allocated to British settlers. Despite Kenya’s independence in 1963, many of these estates — especially in tea-rich regions like Nandi, Kericho, and Bomet — remained under multinational ownership.
“This conflict is not just about land titles. It’s about identity, historical memory, and rural justice,” said Dr. Faith Keter, a land reform specialist at Egerton University.
Investor Risk
Kenya is the world’s fourth-largest tea exporter, and multinationals like EPK are major players. But recent unrest — including strikes, demands for higher wages, and now land takeovers — is threatening the stability of the sector;
• The Kimasas case mirrors earlier land disputes involving James Finlay Kenya Ltd, another British firm recently forced to sell stakes to local partners after sustained protests.
• Uncertainty over land tenure and community claims risks deterring long-term foreign capital in agriculture.
Government Response
The Ministry of Lands and the Nandi County Government have launched investigations to verify land documentation and mediate between the parties.
Meanwhile, EPK has sought court protection against what it terms as illegal occupation.
The matter is expected to test the strength of Kenya’s land dispute resolution frameworks, especially under the Community Land Act and Land Registration Act.
Take home …
This Nandi County standoff is more than a localised dispute — it reflects broader structural tensions in Kenya’s agribusiness sector. As land justice movements gain momentum, the balance between investor security and historical redress is becoming increasingly delicate.
Whether this conflict results in litigation, compensation, or negotiated settlement will likely set a precedent for other contested agricultural estates across the country.
