Homa Bay fast-tracks school land titles to guard against encroachment

SITNA OMAR-KNA

The Government has intensified efforts to secure land ownership for public schools in Homa Bay County through an accelerated land titling program aimed at protecting educational institutions from encroachment and boundary disputes.

Speaking during a sensitization meeting of school heads on title deeds acquisition held at Ogande Girls High School, Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi said the initiative seeks to accelerate the titling of public school land and simplify access to land services.

The meeting brought together more than 100 school principals and Boards of Management (BOMs) with officials from the Ministry of Lands, National Land Commission (NLC), Ministry of Education and local administration.

The meeting also aimed at addressing challenges in accessing land services.

According to the County Commissioner, the meeting was prompted by widespread concerns from school administrators and (BOMs) with officials from the Ministry of Lands, National Land Commission (NLC), Ministry of Education and local administration. 

The meeting also aimed at addressing challenges in accessing land services.

According to the County Commissioner, the meeting was prompted by widespread concerns from school administrators and members of the public who view the process of acquiring title deeds as lengthy, expensive and difficult to navigate, a misconception the government is working to address through public sensitization.

“We wanted them to interact directly with land officials because many people have been complaining that obtaining title deeds is a tedious process and that accessing land offices can be a challenge. That is the reason why most schools lack that crucial document,” said Mwiwawi.

He added that bringing onboard officers from the Ministry of Lands, the National Land Commission and other government agencies was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring that accurate information reaches schools across the county.

“As government, we are committed to bringing services closer to the people. Today, land officials explained the procedures involved, the offices that need to be visited and the documents required.

"School heads can now engage directly with the responsible officers and even invite them to their areas for further assistance,” he added.