The Ministry of Lands has announced a fresh crackdown on irregular land ownership in Murang'a County, warning that title deeds acquired unlawfully will be revoked as the government intensifies efforts to clean up one of the country's longest-running land disputes.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking during the issuance of 750 title deeds to members of the Kihiu Mwiri land-buying company in Gatanga, Murang'a County, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said anyone claiming ownership of land through purchase must provide proof of payment and a valid sale agreement or risk losing their title.

"If no money changed hands, I will cancel that title deed," Wahome warned, adding that individuals suspected of holding irregular titles would be summoned to explain how they acquired them before the government takes further action.

According to Wahome, the Ministry has prepared 4,228 title deeds, with 3,600 already verified and cleared for issuance. The remaining titles are undergoing verification before being released to their rightful owners.

📌 What You Need to Know

She said government officers would continue conducting on-site verification to ensure the process is fair and transparent for all claimants.

“A small portion is not fully ready; therefore, I will need to bring my officers here with tents so that they investigate thoroughly,” Wahome said.

The CS noted that the exercise is intended to permanently resolve the long-running land dispute surrounding Kenyatta Farm while ensuring that only legitimate owners receive title deeds.

The exercise follows government intervention in 2015 after escalating violence prompted then-President Uhuru Kenyatta to direct the Ministry of Lands to fast-track the issuance of title deeds as a long-term solution to the conflict.

Additionally, at the time, the ministry, under then-acting Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, deployed over 100 land officials to verify ownership records and prepare title deeds while cancelling fraudulent land transactions.

“We want everyone to be satisfied with the Government’s work. Those with proper documents will be cleared, but any title acquired fraudulently can be revoked,” she stated.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke