6,247 Kwale residents given title deeds

Hussein Abdullahi-KNA

The National Government has issued 6,247 title deeds to Kwale residents, who lived without secure land ownership.

The title deeds were issued to by President William Ruto who expressed his commitment to securing land tenure for all Kenyans. President Ruto also commissioned the 154 units Diani Affordable Housing Project, which will provide jobs and spur economic development in the region.

The move is in accordance with the government’s aspiration to empower Kenyans across the country with land in the acquisition of title deeds.

Land disputes and illegal land grabbing have long been a menace in Kwale, leaving many families without legal ownership of their ancestral land.

The title deeds were distributed to beneficiaries from Kinango, Matuga, and Msambweni Sub-Counties, covering Mnyezeni Adjudication Section, Mijikenda Settlement Scheme, Kinarini Settlement Scheme, and Gazi Settlement Scheme.

Residents who received their title deeds said that the ownership documents are very valuable to them as they will allow them to obtain capital for their businesses and reduce land disputes.

Cabinet Secretary for Lands Alice Wahome said the move seeks to address historical land injustices and ensure fair land distribution.

CS Wahome said the issuance of title deeds demonstrates the commitment by the government to resolve the long-standing squatter issue in the coastal region.

“The issuance of these title deeds is a testament to our commitment to addressing historical land injustices and ensuring every Kenyan has a rightful claim to their land. We are taking decisive steps to secure land tenure and empower communities for sustainable development,” she said.

The CS lauded the Affordable Housing Programme, stating that a decent and affordable housing project serves as a catalyst for economic development in the 47 counties, job creation and poverty alleviation.

The Lands CS, who was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Nixon Korir, said the national government is working with the 47 devolved governments to ensure Kenyans access land with titles so they can develop it.

“We are implementing this government exercise under the national land titling programme to ensure that eligible Kenyans own titles to their properties and land,” she said, adding that the issuance of title deeds is going on well across the country.

She said her ministry is doing its best to ensure that the national titling process is free of corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Wahome further noted that the nationwide programme aims to resolve long-standing land-ownership disputes and uncertainties that have prevented landowners and businesses from accessing credit facilities from financial institutions.

She said the Diani housing scheme has already positively impacted over 250,000 young people in Ukunda, Kwale County.

She said the title deed issuance to eligible residents demonstrates the government’s commitment to resolving land ownership challenges in the coastal region.

Governor Achani on her part said residents will now feel motivated to invest and develop their land as they are now in possession of legal ownership documents.

Achani commended the President for his efforts in resolving land ownership disputes in Kwale and called on the national government to assist in reclaiming grabbed land in Kaslak, Mbela Farm, Tiwi Block among others by private developers.