Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour Simon Chelugui has said that the national title deeds issuance programme will address perennial cattle rustling and banditry vices in Baringo.
Chelugui lauded the exercise launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying it will go a long way to benefit residents, especially those residing in community land and often face inter-community conflicts.
The Labour CS spoke, when he presided over the issuance of 33,829 title deeds for Baringo County residents at Kabarnet National Museums grounds, where he pointed out that the vital document will be one way of eradicating challenges of insecurity in the volatile areas of Tiaty East and West, Baringo North and South, where armed bandits freely roam to steal livestock, kill and cause mayhem.
“Land title will enable the relevant authorities to act on complaints from owners concerning individuals suspected to have invaded other peoples’ properties, without their consent,” Chelugui said.
He urged residents who fall under community land, to join hands with the county government and adjudication offices for guidance on how to get their land surveyed and adjudicated under the new Community Land Act of 2016.
“We want to push the percentage of title deed ownership in Baringo from the current 40 percent up to 70 percent, because the document is a source of empowerment and security,” he said.
Baringo County Commissioner (CC), Abdirisack Jaldesa, underscored the significance of the title deed, noting that it will discourage criminals from roaming from one point to another, disturbing residents in their land.
“Criminals will have a rough time because they can no longer evict people from their land, which is known by both levels of governments,” he said.
Governor Stanley Kiptis, said the issuance was a relief to individuals who have struggled to get the document for over 60 years.
Kiptis who was accompanied by his Deputy, Jacob Chepkwony, said that the County Administration in the last Financial Year allocated Sh46 million for land adjudication and demarcation activities, which has seen almost all areas of Baringo Central, parts of Baringo North including Barwesa Ward and Churo in Tiaty East completed.
“We have finished mapping 419 plots in our major towns and are now turning to trading centers, to ensure that our residents get title deeds to enable them undertake investments,” the County Boss said.
He encouraged beneficiaries to store the document in a safe place preferably at a registered financial institution, so that it can serve them as well as future generations.
By Benson Kelio
