President William Ruto has set a December deadline to issue 500,000 title deeds to residents at the Coast. He made the announcement in Kilifi on September 29, 2026, during his ongoing development tour of the coastal region. The move aims to address the squatter problem that has affected thousands of residents in the region for years. Ruto stated that 300 officers from the Ministry of Lands have been assembled to speed up the work, including land surveys and documentation.
The government has brought together 300 officers from different parts of the country to undertake the task of issuing title deeds. These officers will handle various stages leading to the issuance of title deeds, ensuring the process is completed within a short period. Ruto emphasized that the exercise is crucial in addressing disputes and bringing settlements into the formal land ownership system. The President stated that the officers will work on surveys, documentation, and other processes required to formalize ownership.
Unresolved land ownership issues have had a wider effect on the Coast, linking the squatter problem to poverty, deprivation, and limited development in the region. Ruto noted that the historical land question has contributed to a feeling among some people at the Coast that they are not fully recognized as Kenyans. The President stressed that addressing the issue of squatters is essential to alleviate poverty, deprivation, and underdevelopment.
The announcement followed the issuance of title deeds to residents in Kilifi during Ruto's ongoing development tour of the coastal region. The title deeds will provide beneficiaries with formal documents confirming ownership of their land. Secure ownership can also give landholders greater confidence to develop their property and potentially use it to access credit.
Ruto is on a week-long tour of the Coast, inspecting and launching government projects across the region. The tour is also taking place ahead of the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery project. This project is expected to boost the Coast's position as an investment and industrial center.
Ruto has previously stated that resolving historical land challenges is key to improving livelihoods and opening up the Coast's economic potential. The latest title deed drive is part of the government's broader effort to address land ownership concerns and support development in the region. The President expressed his commitment to completing the process, stating, "Hili swala la uskwota hapa Pwani nitamaliza."
The government's effort to issue 500,000 title deeds to Coast residents by December is a significant step towards addressing land ownership problems in the region. With 300 officers working on the task, the government aims to complete the process within a short period. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the region, alleviating poverty and promoting development.
Key points
- The Kenyan government aims to issue 500,000 title deeds to Coast residents by December.
- 300 officers from the Ministry of Lands have been assembled to speed up the work.
- The move aims to address the squatter problem and promote development in the region.
