President Kenyatta issues over 2,000 title deeds in Lamu

Over 2,000 landowners have received title deeds as President Uhuru Kenyatta kicked off a two-day tour of Lamu County.

Residents of five Swahili villages of Mkunumbi, Mapenya, Ndambwe, Kiongwe and Nagere were issued with the title deeds in an exercise that will see 4,073 deeds issued.

President Kenyatta will issue another 2,069 titles in Faza Island Friday.

Speaking at Mkunumbi Secondary School before issuing the title deeds, President Kenyatta urged the residents to use their land effectively to improve their welfare.

This comes a few days after the cancellation of title deeds for land totaling 353,770 acres.

He said the government’s move to revoke title deeds for the irregularly acquired land which was handed over to Lamu County government was aimed at ensuring the locals get enough land for development.

“The County Government should plan well on how to utilize the land. There is need to set aside land for livestock keeping, farming and industrial development,” President Kenyatta said.

National Land Commission (NLC) Chairman Muhammad Swazuri disclosed that following President Kenyatta’s directive, 7,600 primary and secondary schools across the country have applied for title deeds which are being processed.

To take government services closer to citizens, President Kenyatta announced the elevation of Mkunumbi location to a division.

In a bid to address the problem of National IDs issuance in Lamu, the President directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery to come up with a formula that will ensure deserving youth receive IDs on the basis of their place of birth and not that of their parents.

“This will also help end tribalism because no one will be told to return to their indigenous home of their parents in order to get an Identity card.”

The President also voiced the government’s intention to create job opportunities for the local youth through the implementation of mega projects including construction of the Lamu Port and an oil pipeline.

On the construction of Witu-Mokowe road, President Kenyatta said the project will start in two months’ time and he will personally monitor its progress.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy assured the President that he is ready to partner with the National Government to ensure it achieves its development agenda.