Lands Ministry seeks Sh922 million to address title deed funding gap
While the process requires Sh2 billion, only Sh1.078 billion has been allocated in the 2025-2026 Budget Policy Statement.
The Ministry of Lands is facing a funding shortfall of Sh922 million for printing and issuing new generation title deeds in the upcoming financial year.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Lands and Physical Planning Nixon Korir revealed on Monday that while the process requires Sh2 billion, only Sh1.078 billion has been allocated in the 2025-2026 Budget Policy Statement.
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Speaking before the National Assembly's Lands Committee, chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, Korir expressed concerns over a Sh12.25 billion budget deficit affecting key ministry projects.
"The budgetary shortfall will affect the ongoing drive to print and issue new generation title deeds, and to settle the debt the state department owes the Government Printer," he said.
The ministry prints title deeds at the Government Printer, but mounting debt has hindered the process. Without additional funding, the issuance of crucial land ownership documents could stall.
Digitisation process
In addition to title deed printing, PS Korir highlighted underfunding in the digitisation of land offices, where Sh693 million is needed.
The ministry requires Sh1.5 billion to advance digitisation efforts, yet only Sh807 million has been allocated.
These funds will support digital operations in Mombasa mainland, Marsabit, and Baringo, as well as the development of an Electronic Document Management System in Kajiado South and Machakos (Mavoko).
The ministry's infrastructure needs are also unfunded. PS Korir stated that no money has been allocated for the Sh588 million required to procure document scanners, file racks, parcel files, overhead scanners, survey equipment, and internet connectivity.
"The state department has a huge infrastructure deficit, especially for purchasing document scanners, file racks, parcel files, overhead scanners, survey equipment, and internet connectivity," he said.
Further, Sh91.5 million is needed for infrastructure improvements at the Kenya Institute of Survey and Mapping.
Without this funding, the department may not meet the December 2025 contractual deadline to complete the project at the institute.
The ministry now faces critical financial constraints that could derail land reforms and delay services essential for landowners across the country.
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