Nakuru:A comprehensive land verification and validation exercise has commenced in four sub-counties of Nakuru, targeting the authentication of land ownership and the issuance of title deeds. This initiative, running from October 19 to October 29, 2026, is managed by the County Government of Nakuru’s Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise aims to issue over 1,500 title deeds upon completion in Gilgil, Rongai, Naivasha, and Subukia sub-counties. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, John Kihagi, emphasized that the initiative is crucial in enhancing land digitalisation and streamlining registration processes, resolving long-standing land ownership issues, and spurring economic growth.
The land verification process will confirm the physical location and allotments of landowners in specific areas, such as Kongasis in Gilgil and Salgaa in Rongai, to ensure accuracy in title deed issuance. Technical officers will substantiate ownership documents as part of the tenure regularisation process, preparing them for submission to the Survey of Kenya.
Residents participating in the verification must present original national identity cards, Kenya Revenue Authority PIN certificates, and relevant allocation documents. Those representing deceased beneficiaries must provide legal documentation to establish authority.
Scheduled public sensitisation meetings and verification exercises will take place in various locations, including Kongasis Trading Centre and Salgaa Trading Centre, to ensure residents’ records are accurately captured. The initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to resolving land disputes and securing property rights.
Governor Susan Kihika’s administration, collaborating with national agencies, aims to facilitate title deed acquisition for squatters and settlers. The issuance of titles is expected to empower residents economically, allowing access to credit and attracting investment.
Committees have been formed to ensure transparency, working alongside government officials to verify land claims and protect residents’ rights. The exercise also focuses on safeguarding public utilities, such as schools and markets, benefiting the community at large.
The verification process is conducted under the framework of the Land Act No. 6 of 2012 and the Survey Act (Cap 299), addressing decades-old tenure uncertainties and regularising informal settlements. Other ongoing activities include titling in Bahati and Dundori and resolving the Banita Settlement Scheme adjudication.
Mr. Kihagi noted that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are being employed to hasten the issuance of title deeds, with statistics indicating that about 50% of regional court cases involve land disputes. The initiative is part of broader efforts to unlock the backlog in title deed issuance and ensure the ongoing titling programme benefits more residents.
