The government has taken a significant step toward land tenure security by issuing 3,000 title deeds to residents of Garissa Township. This milestone marks a crucial advancement in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development’s broader efforts to streamline land ownership processes and provide Kenyans with secure documentation.
Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Alice Wahome, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving land administration and urged beneficiaries to utilize their titles responsibly. “Since independence, only 3,000 title deeds had been issued in Garissa. Today alone, we are issuing another 3,000, with an additional 4,500 title deeds currently under preparation,” Wahome stated.
Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, Nixon Korir, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to process more title deeds. “In addition to the 3,000 title deeds issued today, we have 1,034 more awaiting execution and another 3,543 under preparation,” he noted, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to land reforms in the region.
The government is also working on six unregistered community lands submitted for gazettement by the Garissa County government. These efforts aim to minimize land disputes and promote legal ownership structures, fostering peace and economic development in the region. Wahome emphasized that land titling is a key enabler of economic growth, allowing landowners to access credit, engage in land transactions, and invest in development projects.
The issuance of title deeds is expected to significantly enhance security and cohesion in Garissa, where disputes over land ownership have historically caused tensions. By providing legal proof of ownership, the initiative seeks to reduce conflicts and create a more structured land tenure system.
Alongside the land reforms, President William Ruto launched the Garissa Affordable Housing Project, which will provide 408 housing units. This initiative aligns with the government’s affordable housing agenda, expected to create job opportunities and provide decent, cost-effective housing for residents.
The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Environment CS Aden Duale, and various principal secretaries. Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, and several MPs were also present, demonstrating a collective government effort to address land and housing challenges in the region.
This initiative marks a significant stride in addressing long-standing land ownership issues in Garissa and sets the stage for further development and economic empowerment for residents.
