Tiriki East: The Kibiri forest land inhabitants, who were moved from their ancestral land in Mbale and Vokoli areas about three decades ago, will soon receive title deeds from the national government. The occupants were relocated to their current habitat to pave way for the government to set up public amenities like office space, public hospital and prisons facility in Mbale, among others.
According to Kenya News Agency, Western Regional Commissioner (RC) Irungu Macharia has said the matter is currently before the cabinet and that once resolved, the 500 hectares of the forest land would be degazetted and the occupiers be issued with the title deeds. Speaking during the installation of a Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Michael Too for the newly-created Tiriki East sub-county, where coincidentally the forest block is located, Irungu assured the aggrieved residents that the land issue is being addressed and will soon be resolved.
On his part, Too pledged to work to the best of his ability and appealed to the people to cooperate with his team for the common good. The DCC appealed to the people to pass vital information about criminal elements in their midst to the relevant authorities so that appropriate action is taken.
The new administrative unit has been hived off from Hamisi sub-county, which has been relatively large and populous. A local resident, Mary Indambo, expressed happiness and optimism that the new administrative unit situated at Shaviringa area, would bring public services closer to the people.