Residents of South Ngariama in Mwea East sub-county, Kirinyaga, can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Ministry of Lands published a register detailing the list of genuine owners of the disputed 17 000-acre ranch.
This is after the ministry conducted a land adjudication exercise, where each landowner was urged to stand by their land with documents to verify the ownership.
Ezekiel Kiania, Assistant Director for adjudication and settlement in the ministry of lands, while speaking at Ngariama, said the register is out and any unsatisfied party should file any objection within 60 days.
“I have come here to announce that the register is out. The residents have now been given 60 days to verify the information in the register and raise compliments or complaints, after which the ministry of lands will proceed to print the title deeds,” Kiania added.
The land has been disputed for decades leading to underdevelopment and insecurity that claimed some lives.
Kirinyaga East Deputy County Commissioner Fredrick Ayieko thanked the residents and local leadership for their collaboration during the adjudication process and assured security in the remaining processes. He asked those involved in dispute resolution to be nonpartisan.
Former Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri said that those residing within the ranch have lived in fear for so many years.
“We are hopeful that by December this year, the President will be welcomed in the region to issue the title deeds and to commission the now-complete Piai-South Ngariama road,” said Ndambiri.
Residents have in the meantime welcomed the steps made to bring to an end longstanding disputes over the ownership of the ranch.
By Mutai Kipngetich
