Maimuna Mzanzi expresses her joy as CS Hassan Joho,
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and MP Badi Twalib watch in Jomvu on Saturday /
BRIAN OTIENO
More than 500 residents of Miritini, including Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, received title deeds to their land on Saturday, ending years of uncertainty and concerns over possible evictions.
Twalib said that since 2013, a total of 2,675 title deeds have been issued in Mikindani, Funga Shati, Msufini, and Miritini within his constituency.
He noted that the lack of title deeds had affected revenue collection by the county government.
“Some people were reluctant to pay land rates because they did not have titles. Today, with these titles, I believe they will begin paying land rates regularly,” Twalib said.
He urged Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to consider waiving the interest accrued due to previous non-payment of land rates.
“These residents are development-conscious and understand the importance of paying taxes. I ask that their accrued land rate debts be reviewed in light of the circumstances beyond their control,” Twalib said.
The MP added that he and Governor Nassir are working to issue more title deeds in 32 other areas in the constituency.
“We also seek assurance from CS Hassan Joho that residents of Jomvu will not face eviction,” he said.
CS Joho, present at the Miritini World Bank school where the titles were issued, responded to the call.
“While I am here, the government is here. As a CS in President William Ruto’s government, I assure you that no one will be evicted from their land,” Joho said.
He cautioned residents against occupying land that belongs to others under the assumption that they are protected.
Joho also highlighted that Twalib had lived in the area before receiving his own title deed, stating, “Now I can confirm that your MP has a title deed. He has been part of this community from birth.”
Governor Nassir, noting he would consider the request regarding accrued land rates, said his administration aims to issue at least 30,000 title deeds across Mombasa by 2027, in collaboration with the national government and CS Joho.
“I understand the challenges faced by landless residents in Mombasa. My administration remains focused on providing lasting solutions that empower residents with secure land tenure,” Nassir said.
The Miritini site and service scheme, initiated in 1986 with support from a World Bank facility and officially handed over in 1996, has developed into a settlement with water, sewerage, electricity, drainage, and road networks.
Of the 921 plots in the area, 420 had been previously titled.
“Today, we proudly issued an additional 520 titles, unlocking the full potential of this community,” the governor said.
Nassir added that after Jomvu, the next title deed distributions will be in Likoni, followed by Changamwe, Nyali, Kisauni, and Mvita.
He emphasized that achieving homeownership and secure land tenure has been a long journey for Miritini residents.
