GARSEN, March 31, 2023
Lands Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Njeru today assured residents of Tana River County that the Government will solve the perennial land problems in the county and will ensure residents acquire title deeds with ease.
The CS and the Principal Secretary Generali Nixon Korir assured the residents and leaders led by Governor Dhado Godhana that historical injustices and bureaucratic red-tapes that denied locals their rights would be eased forthwith.
They spoke after holding a series of meetings in Gamba and Danisa areas of Garsen Constituency where they were accompanied by the National Lands Commission and members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on lands.
During the meeting at the Tana and Athi River Development Authority offices at Gamba, discussions centered on the issue of group ranches and settlements created immediately after independence but are yet to get title deeds.
“I understand that without title deeds you cannot do any development, we shall work together with the County Government and the National Land Commission to sort out this matter once and for all,” said CS Njeru.
In his remarks, the Lands and Physical Planning PS said that the visit followed a previous meeting where the issue was brought before a joint meeting of the State Department of Lands and the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands.
He said that a technical committee which includes representatives from the Ministry, NLC and the residents will be formed to solve land problems in the area.
PS Korir urged the locals to resolve any issues that may become an obstacle in the process because the Government is determined to resolve the problem in a speedy manner.
“We are here to serve you, we shall work together with the County Government and the National Land Commission to see that you get your title deeds,” said the PS.
“The pending titles shall be processed. It is your right to get the original title deeds,” PS Korir added who also warned those who use fake titles to deny locals their rights that the law will catch up with them soon.
NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi said the commission will fast track any issue dealing with ranches and settlements in Tana River to ensure locals get the rights they were denied for a long time.
Some of the group ranches whose members were represented at the meeting included Kibusu, Kitangale, Idasagodana, Giritu, Wachu, Kon Dertu and Haganda.
The CS and the PS later addressed a public gathering at Danisa where they reiterated that President William Ruto’s Government will deliver on its promise to solve the land problems in Tana River and other counties in the coast.
Garsen MP Ali Wario was praised by the CS and the PS for tirelessly working to create awareness about the plight of the people of the region in terms of land rights.
MP Wario was also praised by Governor Dhadho, Senator Danson Mungatana and the members of the Parliamentary committee who were led by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko.
The Garsen MP said locals cannot make use of the full potential of their land because of the lack of title deeds.
ENDS…