Homa bay: Homa Bay Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Charles Mwayaya and County Lands Registrar Edward Bosire have issued a warning to residents following an increase in land fraud incidents involving transactions through brokers. Many residents have reportedly fallen victim to these fraudulent schemes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bosire highlighted that some brokers are notorious for posing as officials in various departments at the Ministry of Lands, including survey, adjudication, and settlement. These brokers deceive clients into believing they are receiving legitimate assistance, only for the clients to realize later that they have been scammed. Bosire expressed regret that often, by the time the cases reach him, significant damage has already been done, making it challenging to provide assistance.
Bosire explained that all complaints end at the land registry, and it is often difficult to trace the origin or documents used in the fraudulent activities. He further noted that the region has numerous fraudsters who have become adept at deceiving unsuspecting Kenyans. To reduce the number of fraud cases and the associated financial losses, he urged buyers to exercise caution in all land transactions. He also advised residents to seek assistance directly from Ministry staff to trace the source of any problems related to corruption and fraud.
He urged residents to be vigilant against fake title deeds and mentioned that his office is capable of verifying the authenticity of such documents. Bosire added that his office is collaborating with other stakeholders, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to eliminate fraudsters.
Commissioner Mwayaya mentioned that the government is conducting public participation exercises throughout the county to educate the public on land issues. He noted that, in addition to fraud, boundary disputes are increasingly common in Homa Bay County. Many victims of these disputes are absentee landlords who have left their properties unattended for extended periods, making them susceptible to encroachment by neighbors. Mwayaya explained that when absentee landlords eventually visit their properties and discover encroachment, disputes often arise.
