Government Printer staff arrested after theft of security papers used for printing Title Deeds

One person has been arrested in connection with the theft of 367 security papers used for printing Title Deeds from the Government Printer.

The Ministry of Lands and Public Housing said the person arrested was an officer at the Government Printer.

The Ministry said the theft is likely motivated by corrupt cartels aiming to create fake titles.

This follows a gazette notice dated September 27, which reported that over 360 title deeds with serial numbers ranging from 5253001 to 5253367 were missing.

In the notice, the Office of the Head of Public Service emphasised that the government would not accept any liability for unauthorised transactions related to the documents.

"The Government will not take any liability arising from any unauthorised transaction(s) on the said Title Deeds and that by dint of this notice, they are deemed cancelled and of no effect," read the notice.

But in a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry clarified that the stolen documents were not actual title deeds but rather the printing papers required to create them.

“The Ministry of Lands relies on the Government Printer for the provision of the security documents used for printing Title Deeds. We would like to reassure Kenyans that what was stolen at the Government Printer are not title deeds but the papers that are used for printing titles. The papers can only become title deeds after they are handed over to the Ministry of Lands, filled with ownership details and sealed with the stamp and signature of the Registrar after all due processes are followed,” reads the statement.

“The most obvious motivation for the theft of the papers was an intention by corruption cartels to produce fake titles. The Government Printer has informed us that one officer working at the Printer has already been arrested by the security agencies in relation to the theft.”

To combat land fraud, the Ministry said it has strengthened its collaboration with security agencies to dismantle the schemes that corrupt officials and cartels have traditionally employed.

They assured the public that measures are in place to prevent any stolen documents from jeopardising land ownership.

The Ministry reassured citizens that the integrity of the titling process remains intact and secure.