Historic moment as President Ruto Issues Over 33,000 Title Deeds Across Coast Region, announces solutions for coast squatter problem
President William Samoei Ruto has today led a historic exercise in the Coast region, issuing over 33,000 title deeds to residents across Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale and Malindi in a transformative exercise aimed at resolving long-standing historical land injustices.
The large-scale issuance marks a significant step in restoring land ownership security to thousands of families who have for decades lived on ancestral and settlement land without formal documentation, often facing uncertainty, disputes and the constant threat of eviction.
Speaking during the event, HE President William Samoei Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing land ownership challenges, particularly in areas affected by absentee landlords and unresolved adjudication processes.
“Thousands of people have lived without title deeds and this has meant living with uncertainty and fear of eviction. Today is a historic moment because we are finally solving this problem,” he said.
He noted that the Coast region has been among the most affected by complex land ownership issues, where communities have lived on land without legal titles, while others held documentation without corresponding occupation.
“Some people have land but no title deeds, while others have title deeds but no land. We must correct this injustice,” the President added.
President Ruto further revealed that since August 2022, the Government has issued more than 1.5 million title deeds nationwide, with 381,000 issued in the Coast region alone, representing approximately 25 percent of all titles issued.
He emphasized that the exercise is part of a broader national agenda to restore dignity, promote economic empowerment and unlock land value for development.
He noted that Mombasa County, a total of 865 title deeds were issued. Kadzandani ‘A’ Settlement Scheme received 424 titles, while Kadzandani ‘B’ Settlement Scheme received 390 titles. Manoni Settlement Scheme accounted for 51 title deeds.
In Taita Taveta County, 5,833 title deeds were distributed. The majority went to Ronge Juu with 4,471 titles, followed by Singila Majengo Settlement Scheme with 1,259 titles, while Ndara ‘A’ received 103 titles.
In Malindi, 6,175 title deeds were issued across several areas. Kilifi/Weru accounted for 5,528 titles, Msabaha Settlement Scheme received 527 titles, while Malindi/Lango Baya/Makobeni received 66 titles. Malindi/Kirepwe ‘A’ received 46 titles, Fuudisa/Adu/Kanagoni/Kambicha received seven titles, and Kilifi/Viriko ‘A’/544 received one title.
In Kwale County, 1,900 title deeds were issued. Busa Settlement Scheme accounted for 1,638 titles, while Gazi Settlement Scheme Phase I received 262 titles.
In Kilifi County, 1,580 title deeds were issued. Mwele Simakeni received 1,343 titles, Mariakani Municipality Block 3 and 6 received 194 titles, Kilifi/Kalumani Mnyenzeni received 33 titles, Kilifi/Matolani received six titles, Kilifi/Kaliang’ombe/Jimba received three titles, and Kaloleni/Mwanda/Mbalamweni/3605 received one title.
The President also announced that adjudication processes are ongoing in other parts of the Coast region, including Tana River County.
He directed the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to complete surveying of all identified parcels within 90 days, setting the stage for the issuance of over 200,000 additional title deeds in the region.
“I will return to this region to personally issue more than 200,000 title deeds to the people of the Coast,” he said.
The Head of State also highlighted key Government development initiatives aimed at transforming the Coast economy, including the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, the Ksh50 billion Afri Exim Bank-funded projects, the Ksh40 billion Vipingo Special Economic Zone, affordable housing programmes, road infrastructure, fisheries development, markets, hostels and sports facilities.
He further announced allocations of Ksh1.4 billion for fisheries development, including fishing boats and related infrastructure, as well as Ksh1.4 billion for sports infrastructure, including a stadium project.
Additionally, the Government plans to invest Ksh3 billion in a new ferry and Ksh500 million in the improvement of the Mtongwe crossing channel, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade.
“Pwani will not be left behind in development. We are unlocking its full economic potential,” the President affirmed.
HE, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described the initiative as a historic intervention that will permanently resolve long-standing land challenges in the region.
“We are here to deliver a land solution that has eluded this region for many years. This is a defining moment for the Coast,” he said.
Also present were Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports H.E. Salim Mvurya, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, governors, Members of Parliament, MCAs and other leaders.
Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Generali Nixon Korir assured residents that the Ministry will implement the President’s directive within the set timelines, including completion of surveying within 90 days.
He added that the exercise represents more than land documentation, but a restoration of dignity and economic opportunity for Coast residents who have waited for justice for decades.