Sakaja issues 912 title deeds, vows to complete Nairobi land titling by 2025

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday issued at least  912 title deeds as part of the county government's broader plan to empower recidents through land tenure.

The beneficiaries include members of 14 county schemes in Nairobi residing in Kayole Soweto, Sharp Corner in Dandora, Matopeni Spring Valley, Patanisho in Lower Savanna, and Pumwani

Others include Dandora Phase II, Mathare North, New Pumwani, Humama in Komarock, Jua Kali Sector B in Kariobangi South, KCC in Mowelem, Umoja One, and Umoja Innercore.

The move will now address a long-standing issue where 50 percent of county allotment land remains untitled and unrated, despite allocations that were made over 45 years ago.

 Speaking during the event, Sakaja reassured the public that the title deeds being distributed are fully verified.

"Many people have faced a lot of challenges just to attain their title deeds which is not supposed to be the case. It is your right to get the title deeds," he said at Charter Hall, Nairobi.

Nairobi County resident receiving her title deed on September 19, 2024 (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"I can assure you that the 912 title deeds we are currently giving have been verified and do not have cases or issues. Hizi ni title zenyu."

 The county boss highlighted that in the past 24 months, his administration has issued  7,000 title deeds to individuals and public institutions across the city.

 Sakaja reaffirmed his commitment to continuing this exercise, which is part of his broader strategy to transform Nairobi into a well-managed and orderly city.

"This effort is part of my administration's broader commitment to transforming Nairobi into a well-managed, orderly city, focusing on improving public infrastructure, education, and land administration," he added.

The governor emphasised the significance of holding a title deed, especially for Nairobi's elderly landowners.

"A title deed is an important document in this county. It unlocks economic security for you and your families. Securing these titles would allow residents to invest more confidently in their properties, creating jobs and improving living standards," Sakaja said.

The Governor also issued a stern warning to defrauders and land grabbers.

" Those who are used to grabbing land, your days are numbered," Sakaja said.

In addition to that,  the Governor revealed that the county is currently mapping public utilities, with 75 percent already mapped and the process still ongoing.

He noted that it is part of the county's ongoing efforts to unlock pending leases and promote land tenure security, which he views as crucial to unlocking the city's economic potential.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja issueing a title deed to one of scheme members on September 19, 2024 (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

"If you have occupied any public land, we are warning you, we will recover this land because it belongs to the people of Nairobi," Sakaja warned.

He added that the his government  is working closely with the National Land Commission to register public utilities such as early childhood development centres, schools, health centres, clinics, social halls, playgrounds, and Nairobi Water facilities.

Although the event saw the symbolic distribution of 145 titles, the remaining title deeds will be collected by their rightful owners at the respective sub-county offices.

Residents from KCC Village Settlement Scheme, Umoja One, and Umoja Innercore can collect their titles from the Embakasi West sub-county office in Umoja, while others will collect theirs from the Embakasi North sub-county office in Dandora.

MCAs have over the years been urging the executive to reign in increased cases of grabbing of public utility land, where they blame private developers.

They raised the alarm over the takeover of most playgrounds and open spaces.

Nairobi residednts pose for a photo with governor Johnson Sakaja while receiving their title deed on September 19, 2024 (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

However,  Governor Sakaja assured the residents of Nairobi that with the current system, grabbing will be a thing of the past as everything has been digitalized.

Last year in June, Pumwani Maternity Hospital was was among the 2000 title deeds issued by Governor Sakaja.

Pumwani Maternity was among other key public properties in Nairobi, like Uhuru and Central Parks which lacked ownership documents.

The health facility had been  operating without a title deed for 11 years since 2012.