Nairobi: The Kirinyaga County Government has begun verifying ownership of plots in the disputed South Ngariama Settlement Scheme in Mwea East Sub-County, warning residents against presenting forged documents during the exercise aimed at identifying legitimate landowners.
According to Kenya News Agency, the verification exercise covers about 17,000 acres and seeks to establish the rightful owners of plots allocated by the former county council between 2007 and 2009, as well as those acquired through occupation or purchase. Speaking during the exercise, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Physical Planning Rev. Samuel Kanjobe said the county has systems to detect forged ownership documents and warned that offenders would face prosecution.
Kanjobe stated that every claimant will be required to swear an affidavit and record a statement before submitting ownership documents. He emphasized that presenting non-genuine documents would be considered perjury, leading to prosecution in court. The objective is to ensure that only bona fide owners and beneficiaries are recognized.
The county government is also preparing physical development plans to guide future growth in the settlement scheme and address years of unregulated development. Kanjobe noted the necessity of establishing development guidelines due to numerous buildings constructed without proper planning.
Proposed plans include setting aside public dumping sites, improving waste management systems, and introducing modern recycling initiatives to enhance environmental management. The physical verification exercise, which began on Tuesday, is now entering its final phase.
Kanjobe explained that during the earlier adjudication process, residents identified and occupied parcels they claimed, with interests recorded for freehold ownership. Public land meant for schools, health facilities, and other amenities was also identified and reserved.
About 785 land disputes were recorded during the adjudication process and are currently being handled by the National Government through the Land Adjudication Office in Kiritiri. Kanjobe clarified the roles, stating that while the National Government adjudicates freehold land disputes, the county government manages, plans, and protects public land.
The ongoing exercise involves establishing general boundaries, recording ownership details, and documenting disputes to facilitate their resolution. Despite the high number of disputes, Kanjobe expressed confidence in the verification process’s ability to establish legitimate ownership and support proper planning and development of the South Ngariama Settlement Scheme.
