President William Ruto has announced plans to issue 500,000 title deeds to Coast residents by December. Speaking in Lungalunga, Kwale County, Ruto said the move aims to address the region's long-running land ownership and squatter problem. He stated that 26,000 residents had already received title deeds and pledged to complete the remaining titles in Kinango, Msambweni, and other areas. The government has allocated Sh10 billion to settle absentee landlords and facilitate the process.
Ruto attributed the land question to poverty, conflict, and displacement in the region. He said issuing title deeds is part of the government's response to these challenges. According to Ruto, the land issue has led to problems such as squatters, poverty, disasters, conflicts, and violence. He emphasized that the government's approach is to ensure people living on the land receive ownership documents, while absentee landlords are compensated before the land is redistributed.
The President outlined the government's strategy for implementing the title-deed program. He stated that Sh10 billion has been allocated to pay absentee landlords, survey land, and prepare title deeds for residents. Ruto assured that no beneficiary will be charged for the title deeds, including those who were unable to attend the Lungalunga event. He added that those who had not collected their documents should go to government offices to receive them without payment.
To expedite the process, Ruto said more than 300 government officers have been deployed to the Coast from Monday to Saturday to survey and measure land. The process is ongoing in Taita Taveta, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, and Mombasa. He also mentioned that title deeds will be issued for Lunga Lunga Ranch, Werueni Ranch, Kanana, Gumbato, Mukono, and Ramisi, as well as documents for Pemba residents who have recently acquired Kenyan citizenship.
Ruto linked the title-deed program to wider development plans for the Coast. He cited the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, roads, electricity, and the blue economy as key projects. The President stated that Sh17 billion has been allocated for roads at the Coast, with eight projects ongoing and three additional roads approved in Kwale.
The President provided updates on other development projects in the region. He said Sh2.7 billion has been spent on the Shimoni fish port, which he expects to hand over to an operator in November. Additionally, the Mwaepe fish landing site is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Ruto emphasized that the title-deed program is part of a broader effort to promote development and improve the lives of Coast residents.
The title-deed program is a significant initiative aimed at addressing land ownership issues in the Coast region. With 500,000 title deeds expected to be issued by December, the program is set to benefit thousands of residents. The government's allocation of Sh10 billion to settle absentee landlords and facilitate the process demonstrates its commitment to implementing the program. Key aspects of the program include providing ownership documents to residents and compensating absentee landlords.
Key points
- The Kenyan government plans to issue 500,000 title deeds to Coast residents by December.
- The government has allocated Sh10 billion to settle absentee landlords and facilitate the title-deed process.
- The title-deed program is linked to wider development plans for the Coast, including the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, roads, electricity, and the blue economy.
