A decades-long struggle for land ownership by over 1,000 residents of the Chelimo area in Kericho County has finally been resolved following the issuance of title deeds by the national government.
The exercise brings formal closure to a protracted dispute that has persisted since the 1990s, ending years of uncertainty and securing legal tenure for the beneficiaries. It also ushers in a decisive shift towards land security, stability, and improved economic opportunity for the newly registered landowners.
Speaking during the exercise at the Kevoko area, Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Nixon Korir said the government had definitively resolved the long-standing squatter question in the area through a structured and legally grounded process implemented in close coordination with both national and county governments.
“I am honoured to be here today to witness this historic milestone. When we first visited this area in 2023, we made a firm commitment to resolve the land question, and I am proud to return and see that promise fulfilled through the collective efforts of the government and the local community,” said Korir.
The PS noted that the issuance of the title deeds marks a clear end to the squatter status that had defined residents for decades, confirming that all beneficiaries are now fully recognised legal landowners.
He observed that for more than three decades stretching back to the 1990s, the area had faced persistent land challenges that successive administrations were unable to resolve.
“For more than 10 years and even going back to the 1990s, this area has faced numerous land challenges. Governments have come and gone, but today we can confidently say that all procedures from allocation to issuance of titles have been completed,” he said.
The PS further emphasised that the success of the exercise was anchored on close cooperation between the National Government, the Kericho County Government and the National Land Commission, all working within the law and established procedures.
He explained that the process began with identification and verification of beneficiaries followed by public participation forums led by the county government to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
A physical development plan was then prepared, published in line with statutory requirements and approved by the County Assembly before being submitted to the National Land Commission together with verified beneficiary lists.
The National Land Commission thereafter prepared allotment letters, which were forwarded to the Ministry of Lands for final processing and issuance of title deeds, completing the full land adjudication cycle and formally transferring ownership to the beneficiaries.
“The County Assembly passed the plan and submitted it to the National Land Commission, which prepared allotment letters. From there we finalised the titling process. Today we have come with title deeds for all beneficiaries,” Korir said.
Korir further noted that the Chelimo land matter had been complex due to overlapping claims involving long-term squatters, earlier allotees and boundary disputes between Kericho County and neighbouring Kisii County.
He said the issue was resolved through sustained consultations involving county leaders, Members of Parliament and national agencies, which helped harmonise boundaries and ownership records.
He added that individuals who previously held allotment letters or earlier titles were required to surrender them to allow issuance of new valid titles under the current framework, effectively closing all competing claims.
He said government attention is currently focused on the Coast region, where land disputes have persisted for decades alongside continued interventions in Isiolo and Garissa as part of national land reforms.
Korir also confirmed ongoing efforts to resolve land and boundary issues in the Mau Forest complex and surrounding areas, noting that consultations are ongoing to balance settlement needs with environmental protection.
“We are working to finalise boundary issues, especially in forest areas, to ensure that those with legitimate claims are settled while protecting critical ecosystems,” he said.
The event was also attended by Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and other senior county government officials, who joined national government representatives in witnessing the issuance of the title deeds and the formal conclusion of the long-standing land process in Chelimo.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating resolution of outstanding land matters nationwide as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening tenure security, reducing historical land conflicts and promoting sustainable development.
By Gilbert Mutai
