11,000 set to get Waitiki land titles 

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (centre) with his Deputy Hazel Katana and County Lands Executive Antony Njaramba (left) with Lands ministry officials looking at a map of the controversial Waitiki Land in Likoni, Mombasa on December 16, 2015. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The mapping exercise began on November 28 after President Uhuru Kenyatta brokered a deal with the land owner Mr Evanson Kamau Waitiki.
  • A detailed report shows there are over 10,000 people owning structures on the farm covering about 13 villages.

The mapping of the controversial Waitiki Farm has been completed and the list of beneficiaries forwarded to the National Titling Centre in Nairobi for the printing of title deeds.

Monday, the Land, Housing and Urban Development Ministry Director of Surveys, Mr Caesar Mbaria, indicated that about 11,000 titles would be printed this week and over the Christmas holiday to beat the deadline.

“We are in possession of the Registrar Index Map, Area List  and Beneficiaries List to enable the processing of title deeds as per the Presidential directive,” he said in a telephone interview.

The mapping exercise using modern technology began on November 28 after President Uhuru Kenyatta brokered a deal with the land owner, Mr Evanson Kamau Waitiki, at the State House early November.

Soon after, a ministerial team comprising of 150 officers headed by Mr Joseph Kanyiri started to survey and demarcate the over 900-acre farm in Likoni.

A detailed report shows there are over 10,000 people owning structures on the farm covering about 13 villages.

Mr Mbaria said they adjudicated all disputes arising from the farm at the Shika Adabu Chief’s office.

“Our Dispute Tribunal Team worked hand in hand with the survey and demarcation groups bringing a close the whole process within set time,” he added.

Asked about the 150 acres sold by the owner to private developers, Mr Mbaria said the legal team was dealing with the issue, which will be  incorporated in the final report that will be handed to the President.

“As required of us by the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Jacob Kaimenyi, and National Land Commission chair, Mr Mohamed Swazuri, we want to deliver the titles by the end of this month,” he said.

A committee member, Mr Fuad Abdallah, however, expressed disappointment with how the the dispute team handled cases. He said the government did not thoroughly vet the ‘squatters’ list to rid the area of ‘foreigners’ from Somalia and Tanzania.