More than 10,000 residents of Jilore in Malindi, who have endured land insecurity since independence, are optimistic they soon will get title deeds.
They said they are encouraged by the ongoing adjudication process spearheaded by the Kilifi government.
They believe the initiative will finally address the historical land injustices in the region.
Speaking during a community meeting in Jilore, residents said they had almost given up hope of ever owning land legally.
They dismissed attempts by some individuals to politicise the process, urging other residents to remain patient and allow the adjudication teams to complete their work.
Raymond Menza, the chairman of the adjudication committee, applauded the county government’s commitment, saying the initiative seeks to end a long-standing challenge that has haunted many families.
He accused some individuals of spreading false reports to discredit the process but assured residents that such efforts would not succeed.
“We know there are people trying to derail this process for their own interests, but we want to assure residents that this initiative is genuine and progressing well,” Menza said.
Resident Gladys Tuva said many elderly people had died without witnessing the long-awaited exercise.
“This adjudication is long overdue. Unfortunately, many of our elders passed on while waiting for this day,” she said.
Resident Constance Mucheche urged young people to exercise patience and responsibility, warning against the temptation of pressuring or even harming their parents to obtain land and sell it off.
Former Mombasa Deputy Governor and Jilore resident, William Kingi, stressed the need for civic education to sensitise the community on the importance of managing land responsibly.
He cautioned against the immediate disposal of land once residents receive their title deeds, saying such actions would only perpetuate poverty.
“As we get our title deeds, we must also be educated on how to use them responsibly. Land is an asset that can transform lives if managed wisely,” he said.
Instant analysis
For decades,
Jilore residents have lived as squatters on ancestral land, lacking ownership
documents. The Kilifi government administration has given them renewed hope
through an adjudication initiative aimed at issuing more than 10,000 title deeds.
