Key Points:
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What’s happening
Israeli investor Erez Rivkin is linked to a 520-acre Solai (Nakuru) agri-residential farm, pitching greenhouses, modern irrigation, big food output, and youth exchange
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Why it’s controversial
Because land is politically sensitive, Kenyans fear the project could mask a low-key settlement narrative, fuelled by Israel’s history of contested settlements.
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The key reality check
Such deals face tight Land Control Board scrutiny, and Kenya already has large foreign-owned/leased ranches—but this one needs clear, transparent terms to calm the noise.
Israeli investor Erez Rivkin is investing big in Solai, Nakuru, in a marvellous 520-acre farm with modern farming systems, including greenhouses and modern irrigation, promising a green future. The plan? A large-scale food production and youth exchange programs for Kenyan youth. However, Kenyans are sceptical, and rumours are rife of an Israeli settlement.
Why are Kenyans sceptical of the 520-acre settlement?
Traditionally, land is a sensitive issue in Kenya, and with it come many things. Historically, the Israelites have had various settlement arrangements, which all started as simple initiatives. The most famous settlement is that of 1967, backed by the November 22, 1967, which the UN Security Council passed Resolution 242
As of 2023, there were 150 official settlements and 100+ outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with the settler population exceeding 700,000. Some have been controversial, and the current conflict between Israel and Palestine over the same gives Kenyan jitters. Is this a concealed step towards a low-key resettlement?
It is important to keep in mind that agricultural land deals are tightly regulated by Land Control Boards (LCB). Therefore, the leasing element was subjected to intense scrutiny, and there is scrutiny of whether a foreign investor can be allowed to own/operate such a large tract of land. But of course, clarity and transparency about the 520-acre investment will ease sceptics’ concerns over time. Are there similar foreign agricultural setups in Kenya?
Probably thProbably the closest, a few kilometres away towards Naivasha, lies the Soysambu Conservancy, with vast 6,000 acres of cultivated land owned by the Delamere family. This is quite evident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, and it has been a marvel for many who ply the route.
Other foreign nationals also control large tracts of land in Kenya.
- Ol Ari Nyiro Ranch: Owned by Italian Baroness and socialite, Kuki Gallman. The land covers 100,000 acres (L/R No. 8049) and is among the largest in Kenya.anch (67,000 acres of prime land): Owned by a famous New York, French-American family, the Wildensteins
- Lewa Downs: Owned by the Craig family, and is approximately 45,000 acres
- Loisaba Ranch: About 61,000 acres, leased to Peter Sylvester, Tom Sylvester, and Giles Davies.
- Chololo ranch: This one is owned by the Jessel family
Israel’s footprint in Africa
With Israel having a profound reputation for implementing intelligent agricultural practices to reap high value from arable land, will this simple venture envy such set-ups in the country in the near future?
It is no secret that Israel has a multifaceted footprint in Africa encompassing security, agricultural technology, and diplomatic ties, and Kenya is no exception.
Israel has been exporting agricultural technology and water management solutions, and, increasingly, digital and financial technology to boost African development. Therefore , this can be seen as such an initiative, but with a financial incentive. Time will tell.
