Makueni county initiative brings hope to locals without title deeds

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili addresses the public during a land clinic sensitisation forum at Kasikeu chiefs camp/HANDOUT

For 72-year-old Gabriel Kimanga from Kiou in Kilome Sub-County, uncertainty has been a lifelong reality. Despite having lived on his grandfather’s land for decades, he has never held a title deed.

The land was passed down through generations,his father and uncles inheriting it from their grandfather,yet the lack of legal ownership has left Kimanga distressed, especially as he struggles to secure a future for his ten children. However, relief is in sight as the county government rolls out a land succession initiative aimed at resolving such cases.

The county is currently conducting sensitisation forums in wards that prioritised land succession during public participation, an exercise funded through the Ward Development Fund.

County solicitor Jenifer Kyumwa taking residents of Kasikeu through law succession at Kasikeu ward on Wednesday evening/HANDOUT

Among the areas benefiting from the initiative are Kasikeu, Kathonzweni, Emali-Mulala, Wote-Nziu, Tulimani, and Kithungo-Kitundu wards.

Addressing residents separately at Kasikeu Chief’s Camp and Kwothithu Chief’s Camp on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili emphasized that succession laws do not discriminate against women in land ownership.

She urged families to ensure fair distribution of land among all rightful heirs, warning that failure to do so often leads to prolonged court battles.

"Older parents should take the initiative to distribute land among their children at an appropriate time to prevent future disputes,” Mulili stated.

She also cautioned young men against recklessly selling inherited land, reminding them of their responsibility to care for their aging parents.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr's adviser on Public participation and public policy at the same event/HANDOUT

County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa noted that the programme will support 25 beneficiaries per cluster, assisting them in navigating the complex land succession process.

Meanwhile, area MCA Ruben Musau encouraged residents to allocate additional funds for land succession in the next budget cycle to ensure more families benefit from the initiative.

With Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr's intervention, residents like Kimanga can now look forward to securing their land rights, offering stability and peace of mind for their generations.