Iten: Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for lands, Thomas Maiyo, has urged communities without title deeds to cooperate with the county's efforts in land registration and adjudication. Maiyo emphasized that obtaining title deeds will facilitate long-term development projects by enabling clans, families, and individuals to secure their land ownership.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maiyo highlighted that the absence of title deeds has led to underutilization of land, particularly affecting the Kerio Valley's development. He noted that the lack of formal land ownership discourages individuals from investing in projects such as irrigation or mango farming, as there is a risk of being displaced without proper ownership documentation.
Maiyo also pointed out that the lack of title deeds deters investment, as organizations are hesitant to invest in untitled land. Potential investors face uncertainty about whom to engage with or compensate for land usage. To address this, the county, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), has identified 39 community-owned parcels in Tambach, Keiyo North, and Sambirir, Marakwet East, for registration.
The CECM reported that 70% of the land in Keiyo South and Marakwet West has been registered and surveyed, with residents awaiting title deeds. The county is working on registering the remaining 30% and has called on the Ministry of Lands to expedite the issuance of title deeds and conduct adjudication for pending parcels.
Maiyo reassured residents that the county government is committed to ensuring communities acquire title deeds, which will be held in trust by the county and may eventually be subdivided to individuals. He emphasized that the constitution recognizes community land, which is designated for activities like grazing and agriculture, and must be protected by the county government.