Residents of Nyagwethe in Mbita Sub County, Homa Bay County have praised the National Government for stepping up efforts to issue title deeds in order to ensure that local communities formally owned their ancestral pieces of land and redress historical land injustices.
This, locals said, was a pivotal step in securing land ownership for the local people who have waited for these vital documents since 1987. A total of 2162 title deed were issued.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized the importance of securing land tenure, stating that it plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting social stability.
“This initiative reflects our firm commitment to empowering citizens by ensuring secure land ownership, which is essential for sustainable development,” Wandayi remarked.
The Cabinet Secretary further highlighted the government’s broader efforts to reform the land sector and that the distribution of title deeds was part of the ongoing measures to streamline land administration and enhance governance.
“This effort aligns with the government’s land reform agenda, which includes digitizing land records and ensuring equitable access to land resources,” Wandayi added.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to address past injustices while fostering progress in land governance across the nation.
The CS spoke at an event in Mbita, joined by Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, and Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi.
On his part, Korir echoed similar sentiments, noting the far-reaching benefits of formal land ownership.
He pointed out that the title deeds not only secure property rights but also unlock economic opportunities, such as access to credit facilities, thereby stimulating development.
“With these title deeds, we are enabling property security while paving the way for investments and broader economic empowerment,” Korir stated.
Among the beneficiaries was 70-year-old Gerfas Makori, who expressed profound gratitude to the government.
Makori recounted the difficulties he had faced without proper land documentation and shared his excitement about how the title deed would allow him to seek financial assistance and establish a lasting legacy for future generations.
The distributed title deeds covered an expansive adjudication sections, including Kaksingri West ‘A’, Homabay/Kamenya, Homabay/Kamdar, Homabay/Kotieno, Suba Uterere, Suba Kamwenda, Homabay/Kawere, Konyango Karading, Homabay/Kothidha, Homabay/Lambwe West ‘B’, Suba/Rusinga/Waware, and Homabay/Kasirime.
By Sitna Omar
