Homa Bay Chiefs Receive Training to Aid in Land Succession Cases

Homa Bay– Chiefs in Homa Bay County have been urged to familiarize themselves with succession laws to assist in the smooth transfer of property to heirs. The call was made by Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan during a workshop held yesterday. The training session, aimed at empowering chiefs in their role in land succession matters, was conducted in a local hotel and sponsored by Habitat for Humanity organization.

According to Kenya News Agency, chiefs play a crucial role in aiding courts with the identification of heirs during the property succession process. He emphasized the importance of chiefs ensuring fairness and justice in the succession of properties of deceased persons. The training provided chiefs with knowledge about land ownership and rights, which is essential in their advisory role to courts on land matters.

Lilan also appreciated the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Kenya in collaborating with various government agencies to develop effective approaches to land issues. Ms. Vivian Lisenja, Community Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity, explained that their organization focuses on empowering vulnerable communities to access land and understand the process of obtaining land title deeds. She highlighted the role of chiefs in disseminating this vital information to their communities.

The workshop included training on the Land Succession Act and other relevant laws. Homa Bay High Court Judge Waweru Kiarie pointed out the frequent cases of strangers claiming ownership of land and property of deceased persons. In such situations, chiefs are essential in identifying the genuine family members of the deceased. Judge Kiarie elaborated that chiefs are required to provide introductory letters to the court during land succession cases, clarifying the familial relationships of the deceased.

Judge Kiarie also noted the prevalence of violence in the county stemming from disputes over land ownership. He emphasized the importance of chiefs being well-versed in succession laws to guide parties to appropriate channels for resolving disputes.

Quinter Adoyo, Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya in Homa Bay, observed that many court cases are underpinned by land issues. She mentioned that the training aims to reduce land-related cases in courts by ensuring proper legal procedures are followed during land transactions. Adoyo stressed the importance of adhering to the law to prevent the loss of property and escalating family disputes over land.

This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the complex challenges of land succession in Homa Bay County, ensuring justice and fairness in the distribution of property.