Decades of waiting end as 1,000 Kericho residents get land titles

GILBERT MUTAI-KNA

At least 1,000 residents of Kericho have been issued with title deeds, ending a decades-long struggle for land ownership.

The exercise brings to an end a protracted dispute that has persisted since the 1990s in the Chelimo area.

It also ushers in a decisive shift towards land security, stability, and improved economic opportunity for the newly registered landowners.

Speaking during the exercise at Kevoko, the Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Nixon Korir said , “When we first visited this area in 2023, we made a firm commitment to resolve the land question.

"I am proud to see that the promise has been fulfilled through the collective efforts of the government and the local community,” said Korir.

The PS noted that the issuance of the title deeds marks a clear end to the squatter status that had defined residents for decades confirming that all beneficiaries are legal landowners.

He observed that for more than three decades stretching back to the 1990s the area had faced persistent land challenges that successive administrations were unable to resolve.

“For more than 10 years and even going back to the 1990s, this area has faced numerous land challenges. 

Governments have come and gone, but we can confidently say that all procedures from allocation to issuance of titles have been completed,” he said.

The PS emphasized that the success of the exercise was anchored on close cooperation between the national government, the County Government of Kericho and the National Land Commission.

The process began with identification and verification of beneficiaries followed by public participation forums led by the county government to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

A physical development plan was then prepared, published in line with statutory requirements and approved by the County Assembly before being submitted to the National Land Commission together with verified beneficiary lists.

The National Land Commission thereafter prepared allotment letters, which were forwarded to the Ministry of Lands for final processing and issuance of title deeds completing the full land adjudication cycle and formally transferring ownership to the beneficiaries.

“The County Assembly passed the plan and submitted it to the National Land Commission which prepared allotment letters. From there we finalized the titling process. We have today come with title deeds for all beneficiaries,” Korir said.