President William Ruto has announced intentions to distribute over 200,000 title deeds to more than one million families in the coastal region within a three-month period.
During his five-day development tour of the coastal area, which has historically faced persistent land disputes, Ruto disclosed this plan on May 21.
Consequently, he directed the Ministry of Lands to begin subdividing the lands to facilitate the title deed distribution process.
“Today I am instructing the Ministry of Lands, go now and capture all that land, everyone’s property should be measured within 90 days,” commanded President Ruto.
“After 90 days, I will return here to distribute title deeds to 200,000 of the one million individuals,” added President Ruto.
On the same day, he presented over 35,000 title deeds to the residents of Mombasa County, initiating the entire distribution process.
Following the completion of land subdivision by the Ministry of Lands, the process will commence in Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Malindi, and Taita Taveta counties, with the President assuring that under his administration, the problem of homelessness will become a thing of the past.
“These one million people will now have a place to call home. They will cease being squatters, they will cease being outsiders, and they will have a home and land for their children and future generations,” emphasized President Ruto.
The issue of landlessness in the Coast has been ongoing since independence in 1963, when the government at that time failed to implement a comprehensive policy to resettle coastal squatters.
The situation was further exacerbated by corrupt land allocations, fraudulent titles, and the expanding tourism industry, which increased land values and extended privatization.
To address the issue nationwide as well, President Ruto instructed authorities in Narok County to settle conflicting communities this year.
Additionally, the benefits extended to the Coast’s residents included two new ferries, one intended to enhance mobility by reducing dependence on Likoni and Mtongwe ferries.