Kilifi Turns a New Page as 36,000 Families Secure Title Deeds

Kilifi, September 29, 2026 
The Government has stepped up efforts to address longstanding land ownership challenges at the Coast as President William Samoei Ruto today handed over thousands of title deeds to 36,000 beneficiaries at the Karisa Maitha Stadium, Kilifi.

The exercise is part of the Government’s wider Coast titling programme, through  which 300,000 title deeds are scheduled for distribution across the six coastal counties. Kilifi’s allocation covers beneficiaries in Kaloleni, Rabai, Ganze, Kilifi South and Malindi constituencies.

Speaking during the ceremony, President Ruto said the longstanding squatter and land ownership challenges had affected families and constrained development in the region, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to land ownership.

“We are targeting 500,000 titles by December. Today, 36,000 people will get their titles for free. The Government has paid all charges for the title deeds,” said President Ruto.

The President said the Government plans to issue more than 300,000 title deeds at the Coast during the current programme, with the exercise forming part of efforts to address historical and administrative land challenges that have affected communities for decades. He stressed that residents of the Coast should enjoy equal opportunities in land ownership and development.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Ubaguzi ni dhuluma, na usawa ndio sawa,” the President said, adding that the Government was committed to equality and equity in the region.

President Ruto also commended Lands CS, PS and lands officers and other Government officials involved in the exercise, saying every scheme and community in the Coast region should have an opportunity to benefit from the ongoing land formalisation programme.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi shared his own experience as a beneficiary of the land titling process.

Kingi thanked the President for addressing an issue that, he said, had persisted through successive administrations. He noted that many Coast residents had waited for title deeds for decades and welcomed the ongoing Government intervention.

“To us, this is a miracle. For some people, this may look like something small, but for us here at the Coast, it is a miracle. These title deeds represent hope, security and a new beginning for thousands of families who have waited for generations,” said Kingi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the issuance of title deeds was significant not only for land ownership but also for peace and stability, noting that secure land tenure contributes to confidence and security within communities.

Mudavadi said the Government’s intervention was also helping change the longstanding narrative surrounding the Coast and its place in Kenya’s development, while urging residents to safeguard the peace as land ownership and development programmes continue.

"We have a jewel of a country. As the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, I can attest that Kenya has one of the best land tenure systems in Africa. What we are witnessing today demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening land ownership and securing the rights of our people.” said Mudavadi.

Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Alice Wahome said the Ministry would continue working to complete the titling exercise and called for additional resources to enable the Government to reach more beneficiaries.

The CS urged residents who receive their title deeds to protect their land and use it productively for development, cautioning beneficiaries against selling their newly secured parcels without careful consideration.

In his remarks, Lands PS Hon. Generali Nixon Korir said previous Governments made efforts to address the longstanding land question at the Coast, but a lasting solution remained out of reach. "Today, we are turning years of work, adjudication and surveying into tangible ownership for our people. "

For Kilifi North MP Hon. Owen Baya, the issuance represents a significant moment for residents who have waited for decades for formal recognition of their land ownership.

“This has never happened before. We thank you, President, for bringing us the title deeds,” Baya said.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports of Kenya Salim Mvurya said," This is a miracle. We in the Coast region should not look for any other miracle. The issuance of these title deeds is a historic milestone that will transform the lives of our people and unlock the value of their land.”

The comprehensive Kilifi titling programme covers 15 primary registration areas, with major allocations including 6,191 titles in Kilifi/Kalumani Mnyenzeni, 2,233 in Kilifi/Kitengwani, 1,343 in Kilifi/Chengoni Mto-Mkuu ‘A’ and 1,183 in the Kilifi/Mikanjuni Settlement Scheme.

Other beneficiaries are drawn from Kilifi Township Block 3, Roka, Majenjeni Settlement Scheme, Mitsedzini, Mirihini, Magarini Mambrui Block 2, Kapupuni and Gede/Mitangani, among other areas.

The Government says the wider Coast titling programme is intended to provide formal security of tenure and enable beneficiaries to make productive use of their land, including investment and development.

The President’s Coast tour is also focusing on wider development priorities, including affordable housing, markets, infrastructure, youth empowerment, the blue economy and energy. In Lamu, the President is scheduled to break ground for the proposed East Africa Refinery, estimated at about KSh2 trillion.

For thousands of Kilifi residents, however, the title deed remains the most immediate symbol of change.

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