Garissa, Kenya| In a significant move aimed at enhancing land ownership rights and fostering economic development, the government has issued 3,000 title deeds to residents of Garissa Township.
This happened on the second day of President William Samoei Ruto’s development tour of Northern and North-Eastern Kenya. The president also commissioned immigration offices in the area where locals will be issued with passport without having to go to Nairobi.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, marks a major milestone in addressing historical land tenure challenges in the region.
Speaking at the issuance event, Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome reaffirmed the government’s commitment to streamlining land administration and ensuring Kenyans receive efficient services.
She highlighted the importance of secure land ownership in promoting economic stability and social cohesion.
“Since independence, only 3,000 title deeds had been issued in Garissa. Today, we are doubling that number by issuing an additional 3,000 for Garissa Township, with 4,500 more currently being processed,” Wahome announced.
She further revealed that the Ministry is working on registering six more community lands in Garissa, which have been submitted by the county government for gazettement.
This effort aims to formalize land ownership, particularly for communities that have long faced legal uncertainties regarding their land rights.
Impact on Economic Growth and Stability
Wahome emphasized that land titling plays a crucial role in securing property rights, facilitating transactions, and unlocking access to credit.
With a legitimate title deed, landowners can use their property as collateral for loans, enabling them to invest in businesses, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
“Land ownership is a fundamental driver of economic growth. When people have secure land tenure, they can invest in development projects without fear of displacement. This, in turn, leads to job creation, improved livelihoods, and reduced poverty levels,” she stated.
Call for Responsible Land Use
While celebrating the progress made in land titling, Wahome cautioned beneficiaries against indiscriminate land sales, urging them to utilize their land productively for personal and community benefit.
She stressed that selling land without careful consideration could undermine long-term economic stability.
Additionally, she underscored the importance of title deeds in resolving longstanding land disputes that have historically caused conflicts in various parts of the country.
The formalization of land ownership is expected to enhance security, promote cohesion, and reduce tensions related to unclear land rights.
A Step Toward Comprehensive Land Reforms
The issuance of title deeds in Garissa is part of the government’s broader strategy to regularize land ownership across the country.
The Ministry of Lands has been rolling out similar initiatives in different counties, aiming to settle land disputes, improve tenure security, and boost economic growth through formal land ownership.
With thousands of additional title deeds currently being processed, the government’s commitment to land reforms remains steadfast.
The initiative is expected to bring lasting benefits to communities in Garissa and beyond, ensuring that land serves as a vital asset for wealth creation and sustainable development.
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