In a transformative move poised to reshape land ownership in Kenya, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has unveiled a bold plan to waive over Sh6 billion in interest accrued on unpaid settlement fees.
This ambitious initiative, announced during the official opening of the Malindi Land Registry on Thursday, July 17, 2025, aims to remove financial barriers that have long prevented thousands of Kenyans from claiming their rightful title deeds.
The proposal, which has garnered widespread support from local leaders, signals a significant step toward resolving longstanding land ownership challenges, particularly in settlement schemes dating back to the 1960s.
A Lifeline for Land Ownership
The proposed waiver targets the financial burdens faced by beneficiaries of settlement schemes, many of whom have been unable to clear debts owed to the Settlement Fund Trust (SFT).
These unpaid fees, compounded by years of accrued interest, have effectively locked countless Kenyans out of formal land ownership, leaving title deeds uncollected at registries across the country.
During her address in Malindi, Cabinet Secretary Wahome highlighted that over 33,000 title deeds remain uncollected at the Malindi Land Registry alone, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Wahome’s initiative seeks to alleviate this burden by waiving the interest on these fees, making it easier for beneficiaries to settle their debts and secure their land titles.
“I have sent a request to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, and we have also discussed it with the President, so that—if agreed—the interest on the fees can be waived,” she stated.
The proposal, already submitted as a Cabinet memo to the Attorney General and the National Treasury, has been discussed with President William Ruto, signaling high-level support for the initiative.
Addressing Historical Land Challenges
The issue of uncollected title deeds is deeply rooted in Kenya’s post-independence land redistribution efforts.
In the 1960s, the government established settlement schemes to allocate land to landless Kenyans, particularly in regions like Kilifi, where the Malindi Land Registry serves as a critical hub.
However, many beneficiaries have struggled to meet the financial obligations required to obtain their title deeds, with accrued interest significantly inflating the original debts. This has left families unable to fully own or utilize their land, hindering economic empowerment and development.
Wahome emphasized the urgency of resolving these challenges, directing her ministry to fast-track the closure of all pending settlement schemes.
“We are working to finalize all outstanding issues related to these schemes, some of which date back decades,” she said.
By addressing these historical bottlenecks, the Ministry of Lands aims to streamline the issuance of title deeds, enabling beneficiaries to access the full benefits of land ownership, including the ability to use their land as collateral for loans or to develop it for commercial purposes.
Support from Local Leaders
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from local leaders, who view the waiver as a game-changer for their constituents.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, alongside several Members of Parliament, praised the proposal, noting that it would unlock land ownership for thousands of residents who have been trapped by the high cost of accrued interest.
“This is a significant step toward empowering our people,” Mung’aro said. “Land ownership is not just about having a title deed; it’s about giving families the security and opportunity to build a better future.”
The support from local leaders underscores the broader socio-economic implications of the initiative. Secure land ownership is a cornerstone of economic stability, enabling individuals to invest in agriculture, housing, and other income-generating activities.
By removing the financial barriers posed by interest on unpaid fees, the government aims to foster inclusive growth and address longstanding inequalities in land access.
A Strategic Move for National Development
The waiver aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader agenda to enhance access to land as a driver of economic development.
Land remains one of Kenya’s most valuable assets, and secure ownership is critical to unlocking its potential. Wahome’s consultations with key stakeholders, including the National Treasury and President Ruto, reflect a coordinated effort to address systemic challenges in the land sector.
The submission of the Cabinet memo to the Attorney General further indicates that the proposal is being carefully vetted to ensure its feasibility and alignment with legal and fiscal frameworks.
In addition to the waiver, Wahome’s directive to fast-track the closure of pending settlement schemes signals a proactive approach to resolving administrative bottlenecks.
The Ministry of Lands is expected to roll out measures to streamline processes at land registries nationwide, ensuring that beneficiaries can access their title deeds without undue delays.
This includes digitizing land records and improving service delivery at registries like the one in Malindi, which was officially launched to serve the coastal region more effectively.
Implications for Beneficiaries
For the thousands of Kenyans affected by this initiative, the waiver could be a turning point. Many beneficiaries of settlement schemes are small-scale farmers or low-income families who have struggled to clear their debts due to financial constraints.
The accrued interest, often exceeding the principal amount, has made it nearly impossible for these individuals to obtain their title deeds, leaving them vulnerable to land disputes and unable to fully leverage their land for economic gain.
By waiving the Sh6 billion in interest, the government aims to restore hope and opportunity to these families.
The initiative is expected to have a ripple effect, boosting local economies in regions like Kilifi, where land-based activities such as agriculture and tourism are key drivers of growth. Secure land ownership will also enhance access to credit, enabling beneficiaries to invest in their land and improve their livelihoods.
Looking Ahead
As the proposal awaits approval from the Cabinet and the National Treasury, anticipation is building among Kenyans eager to claim their title deeds.
The Ministry of Lands is expected to provide further updates on the implementation timeline and the specific criteria for beneficiaries to access the waiver.
In the meantime, the opening of the Malindi Land Registry marks a significant milestone in improving access to land services in the coastal region, with plans to replicate such efforts nationwide.
Cabinet Secretary Wahome’s bold initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices in land ownership and promoting inclusive development.
By waiving over Sh6 billion in interest and fast-tracking the issuance of title deeds, Kenya is taking a decisive step toward empowering its citizens and unlocking the economic potential of its land resources.
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