Post: Likii residents receive allotment letters after over 40 years of waiting

It's a sigh of relief for Likii informal settlement residents in Nanyuki, Laikipia County after they received their allotment letters from the National Land Commission to pave the way for title deeds processing.The residents who had been waiting for that crucial land document for more than four decades noted that it would improve land security and catalyse development in the area.'I have waited for over 30 years for this allotment letter and I am so glad I have finally got it; I would like to develop my plot which had not been possible for lack of title deed. I had just put up temporary structures,' said Hagga Wanjiru, one of the beneficiaries.Harun Gikunda said that with the allotment letter it was proof they owned the land which was not clear to them due to lack of those crucial land documents.The over 741 allottees are expected to start the journey of legally registering their plots to acquire leasehold titles for 99 years which is renewableArea Governor Joshua Irungu speaking in Nanyuki during the issuance of allotment letters said it would pave the way for processing of the title deeds for the beneficiaries who had waited for a long period to own land rights.'When we issue title deeds, they will own all the land rights including getting a loan from the banks using that document. They had waited for more than 40 years waiting for documents as proof of ownership,' said the Governor.He pointed out that it had been a tedious journey registering the residents aimed at ensuring they acquire land ownership documents.Additionally, Irungu said that Likii informal settlement which has the highest population has been a target by politicians who campaign on the promise of issuing titles to the voters something that will now be a thing of the past.The Governor said that other slums including Kia Maina in Nyahururu, Kwa Mbuzi and Kanyoni in Nanyuki will also go through the same processes.He further urged the 400 plot owners who were left out in the process due to disputes to resolve and acquire their allotment letters and ensure they were not left out.Laikipia women representative Jane Kagiri said that residents would now be able to access financial assistance from lending institutions aimed at improving their lives.Source: Kenya News Agency