The journey to acquire title deeds for colonial village squatters in Central region has finally kicked off.
Yesterday, Lands Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi issued 369 title deeds to squatters in five villages.
He promised that the ministry would give out over 2,850 title deeds to over 200 villages scattered across the region.
The CS said the first phase, which included Ithenguri, Gatitu, Kihatha, Kihunyo and Riamukurwe, was planned and surveyed through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Programme funded by the World Bank.
“The second phase involves the surveying of five others namely, Ihithe, Kamunyu, Kirichu, Gitathini and Muruguru. The survey should be completed in March,” Mr Kaimenyi said.
He said once the survey is complete, the President would preside over the issuance of the title deeds.
Kaimenyi said the third phase, to be undertaken by the end of April, would entail surveying, identification of plot owners and preparation of title deeds.
He said the ministry had already issued 2.3 million title deeds and aimed at hitting the three million mark by 2017. “We are working with the National Lands Commission to ensure all public schools and universities are issued with title deeds,” he said.
He further noted the ministry was in consultation with the archdiocese of Nyeri in a bid to end a dispute with squatters claiming ownership of more than 3,500 acres of land.
“We understand some are being asked to pay Sh40,000 but we are in the process of establishing that once we discuss the issue with the archdiocese,” the CS said, adding that an audit was being carried out at Solio Settlement Scheme One in a bid to identify genuine squatters.
Meshack Michuki, 81, could not hide his joy after acquiring the title deed for his two-acre piece of land in Kihatha village. He said for the last 40 years life had not been easy.
