Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua has issued 97 title deeds to several churches in the county in a concerted effort to empower them.
Speaking in Machakos Wednesday, the Governor noted that religious organizations ought to operate from land that they legally own as institutions adding: “I have today, in my Machakos office, handed over title deeds to several churches in Machakos County, as per my promise of getting every church to have its own legal title deed.
This is the second round of an ongoing process and today I handed out 97 title deeds to the Catholic Church, AIC Church and ABC Church.”
He reiterated that title deeds are critical for the empowerment of both individuals and institutions adding that the challenge ‘we face in Kenya is bureaucracy that frustrates landowners and creates an opportunity for criminals.’
“I promise to get the remaining title deeds for all denominations and religions processed and given out in a chap chap manner,” promised Dr. Mutua advising religious organizations to ensure they have ownership documents ready to enable officers to process their titles promptly.
In August Last year, tens of owners of the controversial Muri farm in Masinga sub-county of Machakos were a happy lot after they received their land title deeds after decades of ownership wrangles.
The title deeds for the over 2066 acre parcels of land were handed over to the residents in a colorful ceremony organized by both the county and national government officials.
Speaking during the issuance of the title deeds in Masinga then, Dr. Mutua said this was a reprieve to the landowners who had suffered for long without knowing the fate of their land.
The Muri farm is mostly owned by elderly persons and has in the recent past been hit by wrangles with some people allegedly trying to dispossess the rightful owners over an unsettled loan dispute.
By Rachael Kilonzo
