§ 53. Mr. SCURRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether land occupied by or reserved for Native tribes in Kenya is Crown land which the Government have the right to dispose of as they think fit under the Law of 1915 without consideration for Native systems of occupancy and ownership?
Mr. THOMASThe position in law is as stated in the question. The Governor has informed me that an Ordinance is being prepared which will provide for a Board of Trustees to administer Native lands; but in any case no land can be alienated from a Reserve for any purpose without the prior approval of the Secretary of State.
§ 54. Mr. SCURRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total extent of the land area in Kenya set apart 22 for white settlers; and how much of such area has been brought under cultivation?
Mr. THOMASNo region is definitely set apart for white settlers, but the area available for white settlement is estimated at 7,000,000 acres, of which 4,500,000 have been allotted. 3,985,000 acres are in occupation. It is estimated that 274,319 acres are under cultivation, while the numbers of cattle, sheep, etc., in the possession of Europeans, represent an additional area of 1,600,800 acres, or about 1,875,000 acres in all.
§ 62. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Northern Frontier District of Kenya has hitherto been regarded as a Native reserve; whether it is still regarded as secure from alienation to immigrants; and whether in an individual or a collective capacity?
Mr. THOMASThe Northern Frontier District is not technically a Native reserve, but conditions there are such that alienation, if justifiable, is hardly practicable. I will bring the hon. Member's question to the notice of the Governor.