§ 99. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Agricultural Census of the East Africa Statistical Department states that 3 per cent. or 210,000 acres of the White Highlands has no owner, and another 11 per cent. or 880,000 acres, is undeveloped or unused; and whether he will consider the transfer of some of this land in the districts of Laikipia, Uasin Gishu and Thika to selected African farmers.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydParts of the unowned area are useless for agricultural purposes and for some the development costs have proved too high. Other parts consist of small pockets which require to be joined to larger units for economic working. The undeveloped areas consist mostly of small isolated parts of well-developed European farms which have not been brought into use because of poor fertility, irrigation problems or inaccessibility. They would be useless to peasant farmers. Under the Agricultural Ordinance passed this year, the Kenya Government has taken powers to ensure full development in the Highlands and other scheduled areas.