The national government will gazette two new land registries in Taveta and Voi subcounties, in a move aimed at bringing services closer to the people.
The Deputy President (DP), Prof. Kithure Kindiki, announced the plan during a ceremony in Taveta, Taita Taveta County, where over 3,500 title deeds were issued to residents of Njukini, Eldoro and the surrounding areas.
Land ownership has been a contentious issue in the region, often leading to disputes and stalled development projects.
The planned gazettement is expected to address the community’s long-standing challenges, particularly delays in accessing land records, title deeds, and other critical land services.
Once operational, the registries will accelerate the resolution of land disputes, enhance land ownership documentation, and boost economic activities dependent on land.
During the event, the Deputy President presided over the issuance of 1,301 title deeds to residents of Njukini and another 2,200 titles to Mata, Darajani, and Eldoro B residents in Taveta Sub County.
Prof. Kindiki assured those who could not attend the event and whose titles were out that their documents would be delivered directly to their doorsteps.
“To make work easier in all the remaining areas, all deserving residents must get a title deed. Taita Taveta is a bit big, and currently, all the residents of this county go to Wundanyi for land-related issues. Travelling from Taveta or Voi to Wundanyi for land services is challenging due to the distance. Therefore, the government has directed that we start a new registry office in Taveta and another one in Voi to make it easier for the residents to process their land documents, hence saving time and resources,” he said.
The DP credited Dr. President William Ruto for the timely directive of the issuance of title deeds, stating that this would facilitate land ownership and catalyze regional development.
“This initiative is not just about handing out papers; it is about empowering people to take charge of their land and future. The president prioritized this process to ensure timely delivery of these documents,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki assured the residents that the government is keen on ensuring that its citizens live in a peaceful environment and enjoy their rights.
He stated that they are aware of the myriad challenges affecting the residents and that the government is working round the clock to ensure that pending issues are resolved to enable the residents live in peace.
Speaking at the same function, Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary (PS) Nixon Korir, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring all Kenyans secure title deeds.
According to Korir, over 60% of Kenyans lack these crucial documents, which are vital for developing and securing ownership rights.
He said that the government has already issued over one million title deeds in different parts of the country, including Narok, Meru, and Kilifi counties, and that a similar program will be rolled out in other regions next month.
The PS further stated that over 200,000 title deeds are ready for issuance within the next two months countrywide.
“In Taita Taveta County, some residents have waited over 20 years to get their title deeds. This government is determined to resolve this backlog and ensure every Kenyan has a title deed. By tomorrow, all residents here at Njukini, whose titles were processed will have received them,” said Korir.
This issuance of title deeds is a new dawn for residents, many of whom have faced legal battles, insecurity over land ownership, and barriers to accessing credit due to a lack of proper documentation.
The move expected to unlock the region’s economic potential by enabling residents to use their land for development, farming, and business ventures.
Beyond land reforms, the government is also investing in infrastructure to stimulate regional trade.
Consequently, Prof. Kindiki highlighted the government’s plan to begin the construction of the Njukini-Ilacit road next month, which is expected to improve connectivity between Taita Taveta and Kajiado counties and stimulate trade within the region.
“The president has assured us that this road project will be completed soon. Once finished, it will transform this area into a key economic hub,” said the DP.
He also mentioned the Njukini market, which is undergoing renovation, promising to return next month to assess progress on the ongoing works. The upcoming modern market is expected to boost local trade and provide better opportunities for small-scale traders.
He added, “For those who are critics of the government, we all know that our country is governed by democracy. There is no problem for any Kenyan to have a different opinion from those in government. But that does not mean that while giving your opinion, you abuse others or use vulgar language, because if you do so, you are ruining the reputation of our country. It is your right to express your views, but let us do so with decorum and respect.”
Prof. Kindiki said that the government is committed to delivering on its promises and urged Kenyans to be patient as they work with the available limited resources to drive the country’s development agenda.
By Arnold Linga Masila
