Ruto issues 10,800 title deeds to Meru residents
This now clears the way for a Sh40bn wind power project in the county.
2mon agoALICE WAITHERARealtime
More than 10,000 squatters living on a 1,500-acres in Jilore ward in Malindi, Kilifi county, are set to receive title deeds.
This follows the launch of a land adjudication programme by the Kilifi government.
The initiative, led by Governor Gideon Mung'aro, was officially launched at Jilore Primary School on Wednesday.
It seeks to address historical land injustices and secure land rights for residents, many of whom have lived in fear of displacement and land grabbing for decades.
“This process is fully funded by the county government. No resident should pay anything to the adjudication team," Mung'aro said.
He urged residents not to sell land prematurely and to support a proposed law addressing historical land injustices.
The governor stressed the importance of land ownership as a tool for empowerment and sustainable development.
"We are also developing legislation to regulate land sales in order to curb the issue of professional squatters and protect local communities,” Mung'aro said.
The land adjudication exercise is seen as a significant milestone in addressing land insecurity in Kilifi county and marks a new chapter for thousands of residents in Jilore, who have waited more than 15 years for legal recognition of their homes and farms.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi warned residents against selling their land allotment letters, saying it will jeopardizse the titling process.
“Once this process is complete, over 10,000 people will have secure land ownership. But if you sell your allotment letters, you risk delaying or losing your title deed altogether," she said.
Former Mombasa Deputy Governor William Kingi and a native of Jilore, praised the initiative and encouraged residents to protect and develop their land for future generations.
"Land is the foundation of economic growth and community development. Many of us lived under constant threat of eviction. Today marks a turning point and we must use this opportunity wisely," he said.
He praised Mung’aro for his proactive approach, including establishing a land registry in Malindi during his tenure as Chief Administrative Secretary for Lands.
Jilore Land Committee chairperson Raymond Menza appealed to the county to deploy sufficient adjudication officers and surveyors to ensure the process moves swiftly and fairly.
“We are hopeful that the process will be smooth and that everyone will be allocated land where they currently reside," he said.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Urban Planning affirmed that public utilities such as schools and government offices will also be included in the adjudication process to ensure they receive formal land documentation.
"Once you receive your allotment numbers, please be patient and wait for your title deed. Don’t rush to sell. Seek legal advice and consult widely. We’re also securing titles for essential institutions to protect community assets," she stated.
