More than 500 residents of Miritini were presented with title deeds on Saturday, as part of a land regularisation exercise spearheaded by the Mombasa County Government.
The residents mainly from the Miritini Site and Service Scheme, launched in 1986 with support from the World Bank and handed over to residents in 1996 could not hide their joy as they received the imporant document.
The scheme has since developed into a residential neighbourhood with key infrastructure such as piped water, sewerage, electricity, drainage and paved roads.
Out of 921 plots within the scheme, 420 had already been titled in earlier phases. The latest round saw more than 400 plots regularised, with officials assuring residents that the remaining titles would also be processed.
"I have lived here for over 15 years without a title deed, I have always been living in fear not knowing what will happen to my piece but thank God that I can now sleep well with no worries. My appreciation to our Governor Nassir and area Mp Badi Twalib for initiating this important step." said Halima Omar, one of the beneficiaries.
Speaking during the event area Mp Badi Twalib revealed that he was also a beneficiary.
"I have been a squatter. It is not that I lacked the means to acquire land, but I deliberately waited so that I could go through this process with my people. I wanted to show that I am not above the struggles they face,” said Badi.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir noted that he plans to issue over 30,000 title deeds to residents before 2027.
"This milestone not only empowers families with the security of ownership but also strengthens our County by expanding our valuation roll and increasing revenue to serve our people better. We are organized and have a serious plan to expand this initiative to other parts of the county in an orderly fashion." said Nassir.
Adding "My Plan is to ensure that at 30,000 title deeds are issued by 2027. My plea to you as Mombasa residents is please be careful of politicians who want to use the land issue to divide us."
On his part, the County Executive Member (CECM) for Lands and Planning Mohamed Hussein urged the residents to be vigilant against land cartels.
"We are committed to resolving the land issues in Mombasa, but we need your help. Stay alert and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes,” Hussein advised.
The event was also graced by top national and regional leaders, including former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MPs Junet Mohamed, Edwin Sifuna, Omar Mwinyi, Zamzam Mohamed, Rashid Bedzimba, Mishi Mboko, Rozah Buyu, Beatrice Elachi, Renee Mayaka, and a host of MCAs and County Executive Members.
