Ray of hope as residents of Kerio Valley promised 13,000 land titles
What you need to know:
- During the meeting, Mrs Ngilu and Mr Tolgos agreed that communities in the area should resolve all disputes so that the ministry will not have problems when it starts issuing title deeds.
- The governor was accompanied by Woman Representative Susan Chebet, the entire executive, MCAs and development partners.
Residents of Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet County will soon be issued with 13,000 title deeds.
Out of these, 569 titles will be given to residents of Katumoi. Another 245 titles will go to Kaimur residents.
This is in line with the ongoing efforts between the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government and the Lands ministry, to put an end to land disputes in the area.
Governor Alex Tolgos led a team from his government to Ardhi House, Nairobi, where they met Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu over the matter.
Residents have threatened to block oil exploration by Tullow Oil Company unless they are issued with titles. They fear they will have no way of claiming compensation for their land from the company or benefits from the project without proof of ownership. Land in Kerio Valley is owned communally.
And yesterday, Mr Tolgos said Mrs Ngilu is committed to see the residents acquire the title deeds. He said the minister promised to visit the area ahead of issuance of the title deeds.
RESOLVE DISPUTES
During the meeting, Mrs Ngilu and Mr Tolgos agreed that communities in the area should resolve all disputes so that the ministry will not have problems when it starts issuing title deeds.
“The disputes must be resolved using the relevant mechanisms,” Mr Tolgos said when he toured the area.
The process will start with those living in Kerio Valley, where Tullow oil has set up camp, before spreading to other parts of the county.
“We acknowledge that there will be no meaningful development in a region where locals have no title deeds to their land,” said Mr Tolgos.
The governor was accompanied by Woman Representative Susan Chebet, the entire executive, MCAs and development partners.
Meanwhile, the governor wants those living in areas prone to landslides to move to alternative places failure to which they will be arrested and prosecuted.
