President William Ruto has handed over title deeds to residents of Changamwe, marking a major milestone in the government’s plan to resolve land ownership disputes in the region.
The initiative, aimed at tackling the long-standing issue of squatters, saw thousands of families finally gain legal ownership of land they have lived on for decades.
Addressing ecstatic residents, President Ruto emphasized that his administration is committed to restoring dignity to those who have suffered under the weight of landlessness.
“We have made progress, and we now have money to pay off these absentee landlords,” the President declared. “It will not be completed in one or two years, but we will deliver on our promise to largely sort out the squatter problem at the Coast.”
The President highlighted the economic benefits of title deeds, noting that landowners can now use their property as collateral for loans to enhance productivity. Farmers and small business owners alike stand to benefit from improved access to financing, fostering economic growth across the region.
During his visit, President Ruto also inspected the ongoing construction of the Changamwe Affordable Housing Project, a key pillar of his administration’s housing agenda. The project is expected to provide thousands of affordable homes, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.
To facilitate compensation and land transfers, President Ruto has appointed a high-level task force comprising Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Salim Mvurya (Sports) to vet and identify legitimate absentee landlords.
In addition, the President assured squatters in Kilifi County that ownership disputes over the African Development Corporation (ADC) land in Magarini are being resolved, with title deeds set to be issued later this year.
The landmark exercise signals a renewed commitment by the government to resolving historical land injustices, offering hope to thousands who have waited for decades to call their land their own.
