The Arusha regional government has stepped in to resolve a land ownership dispute involving American investors in the tourism sector in Arumeru District, suspending the title deed for a 10.58-acre parcel previously issued to George Hurtly of Kigelia Africana Limited.
The decision follows a mediation meeting between the parties, supervised by the Arusha Regional Land Office, which revealed that the title had been issued in error while a court case over the same land is still ongoing.
Arusha Regional Land Commissioner Frank Minzikuntwe told journalists that his office acted to halt the title issuance after meetings with all parties and an on-site boundary inspection.
“Currently, I cannot provide full details until I obtain approval from the Secretary-General. However, the Regional Commissioner’s office will release a statement once our investigation, including the site visit and consultations, is complete,” he said.
Lawyer Asubuhi Yoyo, representing Ker & Downey Safaris Limited (KDT) also owned by an American investor said the dispute has now been resolved.
He explained that the title deed issued to Hurtly in February failed to disclose the ongoing court case over the 10.58-acre plot.
“This means the recent dispute over alleged denial of access to the land has been addressed. It was not Mr. Hurtly who was blocked, but his security personnel, who tried to fence off a road on land that does not belong to them,” Yoyo said.
KDT had originally sold the land to Hurtly initially 22 acres, later reduced to 10 but the investor violated the sales agreement, prompting KDT to refund his payment. The dispute remained unresolved in court.
Yoyo added that Kigelia Africana entered an agreement to purchase the land on the condition that KDT’s 600-acre property be surveyed and subdivided before ownership transfer.
“The survey was incomplete, yet Kigelia attempted to claim ownership illegally and engage in business activities contrary to the agreement,” he said.
Before this dispute, Hurtly had successfully purchased 22 acres from KDT and built a hotel without any controversy.
The legal conflict arose over the new 10-acre agreement made in 2023/2024. Following the breach, KDT canceled the contract and refunded US$15,000 to Hurtly, but Kigelia Africana continued asserting ownership, erecting fences, and attempting to establish a private wildlife reserve.
Hurtly, speaking at the site, expressed confidence in the government’s intervention. “I have nothing more to say for now. The matter is in court, and we will seek justice there,” he said.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa confirmed that authorities are monitoring the dispute closely and will provide further updates in due course.
