(Ecofin Agency) - People of Kandara, in central Kenya, signed a petition asking for the restitution of about 2,400 hectares of land on which Fresh Del Monte grows pineapples. Things have thus become uncertain for the agro-food giant who wanted to renew the lease for the lands concerned as it expires in 2019.

Petitioners reproach the multinational an abusive exploitation of leased lands. “The company has been in constant conflicts with the public. We demand the company gives up part of its land before seeking renewal of its lease”, said Kamau Waruthi, who leads the petioners.

The 2,400 hectares that the people ask to be returned are actually part of 12,000 hectares of agricultural lands which Del Monte has been exploiting in Kenya for almost 50 years. The people of Kandara want to construct on the lands they demand hospitals, higher learning institutions and industrial parks.

Souha Touré