Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia has issued 17,943 title deeds to residents of Tharaka Nithi County in a bid to resolve long standing historical issues on land ownership.
The exercise follows the launch of the National Titling programme by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 22nd June 2022, which will culminate in the issuance of 1 million title deeds countrywide.
Speaking at Gatunga Chiefs Camp in Tharaka North sub county Wednesday, Prof. Kobia said that the program will see marginalized communities and citizens finally own land in order to empower them economically.
She disclosed that the government will be distributing 4954 title deeds in Maara Sub County, 2000 in Meru South and 10,989 in Tharaka North/South sub counties.
The CS maintained that the program will address the prolonged land cases as well as resolve challenges of landlessness in the region.
Kobia advised residents to use the title deeds to secure loans, which will help them venture into businesses. She also encouraged them to practice farming and agroforestry to boost their livelihoods.
The CS further advised those who still don’t have title deeds to visit the local County Commissioner’s office, where they will then be directed to the lands office for assistance.
At the same time, she encouraged the youth and women to apply for the various government funds such as the Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) so as to secure money to boost their businesses.
She also advised the most vulnerable elderly residents to register their names with the County Commissioner to enable them receive monthly payments available for them.
“We have money available for elderly persons and we try and give Sh2000 every month, you should register with the County Commissioner in order to get the payments,” she said
The CS was accompanied by Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Norbert Komora, Public Service PS Mary Kimonye and Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Mburi Muiru among other senior government officials.
By Sharon Gitau
