60 percent of Baringo not demarcated

More than 60 percent of Baringo county is yet to be demarcated, Governor Stanley Kiptis has said.

Kiptis said barely 40 percent of Baringo’s 11,075 square kilometres is demarcated and people own title deeds.

“My administration fully supports all the legal processes pertaining land acquisition to ensure our people get proper documents” he said.

The governor was speaking while handing over a total of 21,000 title deeds to the locals at his Kabarnet town office, on Friday.

In attendance were Lands executive Thomas Ole Nongonop and several MCAs.

The titles belonged to residents in Baringo South, North and Central subcounties.

The locals are from Sogon, Sagasak, Kapkoiwo, Konoo, Keturwo, Bartum, Barwessa, Bekibon, Kaptiony, Sirwet/Kaptich, Tungo Manaach and Chebunyur villages. 

Kiptis further said Eldama-Ravine and Baringo Central subcounties have the highest number of legal land owners.

In 2018, the county government in partnership with the national government issued over 10,000 title deeds.

The deeds covered Salawa area in Baringo Central and Maji Ndege in Baringo South.

The Governor said his administration is currently supporting the ongoing land adjudication and demarcation in Churo, Chebinyiny, Sandai, Tiloi, Kapkirwork, Eitui-Lelbatai sections.

Over 20,000 titles are expected to be processed and issued soon.

He said plans are underway to have Mochongoi settlement scheme de-gazetted.

The entire parcel of land is currently still classified under Marmanet and Ol’Arabel forest.

“My government is through with the statistical survey and we are awaiting the National Environment Management Authority to give a way forward” he said.

“Land is a crucial resource which holds natural resources and aides human socio-economic activities” he said.

He attributed lack of security of land tenure to the extreme poverty levels, dependence and social instability like conflict and civil unrest.

The county boss said long-standing land disputes and uncertainties have locked out land owners and businesses from accessing credit financial institutions.

Kiptis appreciated the role of the ministry of lands and physical planning for their tireless process to ensure locals acquire title deeds in good time. 

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)