Naivasha: The government has waived over Sh30 million in interest accrued on Settlement Fund Trusts for hundreds of residents in settlement schemes within Gilgil Sub-County in Nakuru County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika stated that the waiver aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to resolve historical land injustices, enhance agricultural productivity, and unlock land-based economic value. Ms. Kihika explained that beneficiaries from Kiambogo, Miti Mingi, Eburru, Oljorai Phase 1, and Oljorai Phase 2 settlement schemes within Elementaita ward owe the state Sh30.6 million in interest accrued over decades. Many settlers have been unable to repay the accrued interest due to economic hardship and challenges affecting agricultural productivity.
The waiver will allow beneficiaries to obtain title deeds for their land and regularize land accounts that have been in arrears for decades, following intervention by President William Ruto. Ms. Kihika mentioned that the beneficiaries would begin receiving their title deeds in the coming weeks, marking a significant breakthrough in land disputes that have persisted for over five decades.
Ms. Kihika noted that many local residents had been unable to collect their title deeds due to the substantial debts owed to the Settlement Fund Trust (SFT). The waiver on the interests will enable them to clear their debts. The Governor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to work with the national government in finding permanent solutions to land issues in Gilgil and Naivasha sub-counties, which had hindered the issuance of land ownership documents.
The County administration is committed to fostering peaceful coexistence among all communities by addressing historical land disputes through dialogue and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Ms. Kihika encouraged residents to embrace the use of ADR to resolve land cases and end disputes, as Kenya’s land policy promotes expeditious and affordable access to justice through these mechanisms.
The Governor, addressing residents at Munanda Police Grounds within Elementaita Ward, was accompanied by County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, County Executive Committee Members John Kihagi (Lands), Stephen Kuria (Trade), Roselyne Mungai (Health), Deputy County Secretary Newton Mwaura, and Chief Officer Office of the Governor Mr. Martin Kagai. She stated that her administration is leveraging ADR mechanisms to address longstanding land disputes in all 11 Sub-Counties, focusing on fostering community cooperation and resolving issues efficiently.
Ms. Kihika pledged that the department of Lands and Physical Planning will collaborate closely with local leaders to address land disparities. The initiative will include resource allocation for land surveying and land titling, aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting urban development. These efforts are expected to enhance the county’s growth and unlock its socio-economic potential for sustainable development.
Naivasha, Njoro, Rongai, Gilgil, Bahati, Molo, Kuresoi South, Mai Mahiu, and parts of Mau Narok have experienced disruptions of peace due to disagreements over land. A new study confirmed that residents often refer minor land matters to the courts for judicial determination, resulting in numerous land cases in court with prolonged and varied results. Official records indicate that nearly 52 percent of civil and criminal cases before courts in the area are related to land disputes, frustrating a joint National and County government titling programme.
Ms. Kihika highlighted that bitterness over land wrangles sometimes leads to violence and murder. Alternative options are being developed to reduce complainant emotions, cut process costs and time, and achieve outcomes with better support and ownership by affected individuals and families, thus reducing the likelihood of further acrimony and violence.
The Judiciary has embraced ADR mechanisms to clear court case backlogs. ADR encompasses settling disputes outside the courtroom and includes negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. The 2010 Constitution promotes alternative forms of dispute resolution to enhance justice delivery to all citizens and mandates courts and tribunals to be guided by these principles, including reconciliation and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
