45,000 Mau forest residents to receive title deeds at last

ESTHER MWANGI-KNA 

More than 45,000 residents living on the fringes of Mau Forest are set to receive land title deeds after the High Court lifted a caveat that had been in place for over 25 years.

Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary (PS) Nixon Korir stated that following the court’s decision, the National Government is collaborating with the Nakuru County Government to map the affected land and issue title deeds in areas where the caveat was lifted.

Speaking during a meeting with government officials and residents in the Kapsinendet area of Mariashoni Ward, Molo SubCounty, the PS highlighted efforts to re-establish boundaries and facilitate the issuance of title deeds, as directed by the court.

He expressed optimism that locals would now have the opportunity to develop their land after years of stagnation. The PS also noted that the Ministry of Lands and the Nakuru County administration are working closely to finalize land adjudication in the sub-county.

He added that the meeting had resolved to form committees to oversee the implementation of the court’s directives. Korir welcomed the lifting of the caveats, emphasizing that it would enable landowners in various parts of Eastern Mau to access loans and other financial facilities to spur development.

He urged the beneficiaries to use their title deeds to empower themselves economically, noting that the formalization of land ownership would lead to increased land value and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

The PS pointed out that the acquisition of legal land ownership documents will empower residents to fully utilize their land for productive purposes, such as agriculture and other income-generating activities, consequently, stimulating economic growth and improving the livelihoods of the affected communities.

“A title deed is not only proof of ownership, but also a catalyst to economic empowerment as it can be used to get loans,” the PS noted. Korir, however, cautioned the residents against disposing off their huge parcels of land at a throw away price and later remain landless after squandering all the money obtained from the sale of land.

He challenged the locals to utilize their huge chunks of land wisely to plant crops like sunflower, pyrethrum, potatoes, maize, beans and peas that do well in the area.

“When you produce enough food for your family and sell the rest to earn an income, you will not have time to be incited to war by selfish politicians who thrive in crisis,” he said.

The caveat was imposed on various parts of the South Rift due to protracted land disputes, and as a way of stopping illegal land transactions around Mau Forest.

The areas that have benefited from the lifting include the six settlement schemes of Neissuit, Mariashoni, Sururu, Likia, Sigotik, and Terit. Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones underscored the County’s commitment to addressing land issues, particularly in the regions of Kuresoi North, South Njoro, and Molo Sub-Counties, where land caveats have hindered economic progress.