Nakuru: The government has committed to issuing at least 1,000 title deeds to residents of the New Game Mutukanio area in Elementaita Ward, Gilgil Sub County. This initiative aims to address long-standing land issues in Nakuru County.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) of Lands, Housing, and Physical Planning, Mr. John Kihagi, stated that the issuance of title deeds will enable landowners to use these documents for financial transactions, including using them as security for loans. This marks the end of a more than three-decade wait for these documents. Mr. Kihagi emphasized that the distribution of title deeds will unlock additional revenue and promote economic growth in the region.

The announcement follows a previous statement that the National Government, in partnership with Nakuru County, will issue title deeds to over 2,000 residents in Rongai Sub-County, ending a 31-year wait. Mr. Kihagi highlighted that this milestone is part of Governor Susan Kihika’s administra
tion’s efforts to address land tenure challenges, secure land ownership, and harness the economic potential of the region.

During a meeting with Mutukanio Community leaders, Mr. Kihagi announced plans to deploy surveyors to address discrepancies in the Registry Index Map (RIM), a crucial step in the land titling process. This initiative aims to clear inconsistencies that have hindered proper land registration and ensure accurate land boundaries. The Ministry of Lands and County administration are working to complete land adjudication in the Sub-County.

Mr. Kihagi urged residents to leverage their title deeds for economic empowerment, noting that these documents will lead to land appreciation and boost economic growth. He cautioned against selling land at low prices and encouraged residents to use their land for farming or developing commercial structures.

Lands Chief Officer, Ms. Stella Mwaura, announced plans for a settlement committee comprising local community leaders and county technical staff to exped
ite the land titling process. She advised residents against selling land to avoid poverty and emphasized using title deeds to secure loans and improve living standards.

County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura described the land titling initiative as a commitment by both the National Government and Governor Kihika’s administration to resolve persistent land issues in the county. He expressed optimism that title deeds will reduce land disputes and ensure land security.

The county has formed a team of officials from the Lands Department and the National Lands Commission to expedite the processing of title deeds. Mr. Kihagi mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve land disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to benefit more residents.

Statistics indicate that a significant percentage of court cases in the region revolve around land disputes. Mr. Kihagi highlighted that trained mediators will assist in resolving these disputes, ensuring the titling program reaches more residents.