Kipini: The government has issued 1,283 title deeds to residents of Kipini East Ward, Tana River County. The event, held in Kipini town, marked a significant milestone for the 7,000-acre Kipini Settlement Scheme.
According to Kenya News Agency, the land, acquired by the government from Nairobi Ranch, includes 1,283 individual plots, with 32 designated for public utilities. During her address, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, CS Alice Wahome, emphasized the importance of valuing land ownership documents and making informed decisions regarding their use. She advised residents, "When you get your title, I urge you to do family consultation, don't be in a hurry to sell the land."
Wahome also issued 17 community land title deeds, marking the first issuance of its kind in the Coast region. She urged national and county leaders to support the registration of unregistered community lands by providing comprehensive inventories and countering any misinformation surrounding the process. "As leaders, we must play a more active role in facilitating this registration. This is about securing livelihoods, heritage, and development for communities," she stated.
Additionally, Wahome announced plans for a modern market construction in Kipini under the Kenya Urban Support Program. This initiative aims to bolster local economic activity, particularly the fish trade. She was joined by Secretary for Administration in the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, Mohamed Maalim, Chief Land Registrar David Nyandoro, and other senior ministry officials.
Garsen MP Ali Wario commended the initiative, noting, "Kipini people have benefited in a big way. The title deeds will help resolve longstanding land disputes, many of which have been aggravated by politics. I urge the government to ensure a market is built to support the local economy." Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana echoed these sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the issuance of titles and a commitment to address any arising issues.
The event was attended by former Galole MP Hassan Dukicha and several Members of County Assembly. Besides the title deeds issuance, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has outlined initiatives for the County, including the planned purchase of 5,000 acres each in Kibusu and Kon Dertu for flood victim resettlement.
Nationally, the Department has issued over 223,000 title deeds in the current financial year and more than one million since the current administration took office. Full digitization of land records has been achieved in Nairobi and Murang'a through the Ardhisasa platform, with ongoing work in Mombasa, Isiolo, and Marsabit. The Department has generated over Sh13 billion in revenue this year, driven by digitization and integration of ArdhiPay with the national eCitizen platform. It recently ranked first among State Departments for All-time Transactions on the eCitizen platform.