Laikipia: The government has waived accrued interest on land allocation charges for the Suguta Ex P and D and Luoniek settlement schemes in Laikipia County, offering relief to hundreds of residents who were struggling with outstanding land-related debts.
According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, Generali Nixon Korir, made the announcement yesterday during a public baraza at Posta Centre in Laikipia North. He stated that the waiver had been approved by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto as part of the government's broader commitment to addressing historical land injustices and unlocking land ownership for communities.
PS Korir emphasized that a technical committee will soon be formed to resolve long-standing land disputes in the region, particularly cases involving land irregularly acquired by cartels. 'I assure you, all land that was taken by cartels without your knowledge will be returned to its rightful owners. The government is determined to restore justice and dignity to affected families,' said PS Korir.
Furthermore, he commended the president for fostering peace in Laikipia, a region previously plagued by frequent land- and resource-based conflicts. The PS also encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable and improved healthcare services.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere welcomed the announcement, noting that the technical committee would play a crucial role in fast-tracking land adjudication and ensuring that community members secure valid ownership documents. She said the waiver would ease the burden on families and empower them to invest more confidently in their land. The MP added that residents were grateful to the government for restoring calm in an area once known for persistent cycles of conflict.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri also attended the meeting and expressed her support for the government's intervention, describing it as a timely solution to challenges that have hindered socio-economic development in the county.
The PS, who was accompanied by Mr. Kennedy Njenga, Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to accelerating land titling across the country. The announcement is part of the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing land governance, securing tenure rights, and promoting social stability in line with the Kenya Kwanza Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The Suguta Ex P and D scheme, established in 2002 in Laikipia North, covers approximately 56,634 acres and comprises 1,023 parcels of land. The Luoniek settlement scheme in Laikipia West spans about 50,972 acres and was primarily allocated to Pokot and Turkana squatters. To date, 200 parcels have been discharged, 800 remain active, and 96 files are still pending.
With land ownership secured, residents can now access credit, invest in agriculture, and improve their livelihoods, a key step toward poverty reduction and rural development. As reforms continue, Laikipia stands poised to become a model for inclusive land governance, where justice, peace, and prosperity go hand in hand.