President William Ruto’s administration has received praise from Taita Taveta leaders following the issuance of thousands of title deeds in the county, with leaders describing the move as a major step towards addressing longstanding land ownership disputes. Ruto said more than 31,000 title deeds were being issued to residents, while also announcing progress in resolving land disputes in areas including Chavuse and Kishamba.
Highlights
- More than 31,000 title deeds were issued in Taita Taveta, according to President Ruto.
- Leaders praised the government for addressing longstanding land ownership challenges.
- Residents of Chavuse and Kishamba were promised resolution of long-running disputes.
- Leaders also highlighted road development and infrastructure projects.
- Political leaders expressed support for Ruto’s development agenda in the region.
Main Story
Ruto Announces Thousands of Title Deeds
President William Ruto has announced the issuance of more than 31,000 title deeds to residents of Taita Taveta, describing the move as part of efforts to address historical land injustices affecting communities along the Coast.
Speaking during the title deed issuance, Ruto said land ownership has remained a major concern for coastal communities for years.
He said the government was working to ensure residents who have lived on and occupied land can obtain formal documentation recognising their ownership.
Chavuse and Kishamba Land Disputes
Ruto also addressed long-running land challenges in Chavuse and Kishamba.
According to the President, title deeds for land in Chavuse had been processed for approximately 12,050 residents.
He said residents would receive their documents following the completion of the process.
Ruto further announced that the prolonged land dispute affecting residents of Kishamba B had been resolved.
He accused individuals he described as fraudsters and land speculators of taking advantage of residents through disputes and court cases, saying the issuance of title deeds would bring the uncertainty to an end.
Taita Taveta Leaders Welcome Land Reforms
Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Mizighi welcomed the issuance of the title deeds, saying land documentation would help address historical challenges faced by residents.
Mizighi also highlighted the need to resolve outstanding land issues in areas such as Mlalenyi, Kasigau and Machungwani.
She further commended the administration for infrastructure development, including progress towards construction of the Ngazi Road on the Mbololo side.
According to Mizighi, addressing land ownership concerns alongside infrastructure development would help improve the county’s economic prospects.
Mwaruma Credits Government for Progress
Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma also praised the administration’s efforts on land reforms.
Mwaruma said land ownership remains one of the most important issues affecting communities along the Coast and recalled his efforts to push for reforms after entering the Senate in 2017.
He credited the current administration with accelerating the issuance of title deeds since 2022.
The senator also praised the government’s proposal to use the fuel levy to support road development, describing it as an important step towards improving infrastructure.
Nassir Links Land Reforms to Political Support
Mombasa Governor AbdullSwamad Shariff Nassir also expressed support for the land reforms, arguing that title deeds could help address decades of uncertainty surrounding land ownership at the Coast.
Nassir, who is associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), invoked the legacy of the late Raila Amolo Odinga while expressing support for the government’s land ownership efforts.
He claimed the reforms could translate into political support for Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His remarks came as leaders linked the delivery of title deeds to broader efforts to address historical land grievances in coastal counties.
Focus Shifts to Equitable Development
The leaders also used the occasion to highlight the importance of balanced development across the country.
Mizighi argued that communities in Taita Taveta had historically felt left behind in national development and said the delivery of land documents and infrastructure projects represented a change in approach.
The President’s administration has increasingly highlighted title deed issuance as part of its wider land reform agenda, particularly in regions where residents have experienced prolonged ownership disputes.
For many residents, however, the ultimate measure of success will be whether the documents provide lasting security of tenure and help unlock the economic value of their land.
For residents who have waited years for formal recognition of their land ownership, a title deed can mean more than a document it can represent security, opportunity and a fresh start.
