Nairobi: Residents of South Ngariama in Mwea East sub-county, Kirinyaga, can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Ministry of Lands published a register detailing the list of genuine owners of the disputed 17,000-acre ranch.
According to Kenya News Agency, this development follows a land adjudication exercise conducted by the ministry, where each landowner was urged to stand by their land with documents to verify ownership. Ezekiel Kiania, Assistant Director for adjudication and settlement in the Ministry of Lands, announced at Ngariama that the register is now available, and any unsatisfied party should file an objection within 60 days.
Kiania further stated, "I have come here to announce that the register is out. The residents have now been given 60 days to verify the information in the register and raise compliments or complaints, after which the Ministry of Lands will proceed to print the title deeds."
The land has been disputed for decades, leading to underdevelopment and insecurity that claimed some lives. Kirinyaga East Deputy County Commissioner Fredrick Ayieko expressed gratitude to the residents and local leadership for their collaboration during the adjudication process and assured security in the remaining processes. He urged those involved in dispute resolution to be nonpartisan.
Former Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri mentioned that the residents within the ranch have lived in fear for many years. "We are hopeful that by December this year, the President will be welcomed in the region to issue the title deeds and to commission the now-complete Piai-South Ngariama road," Ndambiri said.
Residents have welcomed the steps made to bring an end to longstanding disputes over the ownership of the ranch.