WAJIR, Kenya – The Department of Lands in the Wajir County government has formally started the county’s crucial land verification and authentication process, working with the European Union (EU)/FAO-funded Digital Land Governance Program.
This program aims to resolve long-standing land ownership issues, guarantee the authenticity of property records, and give legitimate landowners the required legal paperwork to expedite the issuance of allotment letters and title deeds.
The Department of Lands, under the direction of CEC Saadia Ahmed Abdi and in cooperation with the National Government, has already carried out the exercise in Wagberi Ward today as part of a larger awareness drive to inform locals about the significance of this process.
“Residents should confirm that they are the site owners during the exercise, as this is a crucial step in submitting land records to the National Land Commission (NLC),” Saadia explained.
Why Wajir County Government is promoting alternative dispute resolution
Due to this submission, the county minister disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning will be able to process and issue title deeds and allocation letters.
Wajir County has recently been experiencing significant land disputes, primarily due to clan boundary disagreements.
A three-day training session for the Wajir County Land Tribunal Committee was held in June 2024 as part of a joint attempt by the Department of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
The primary aim was to promote community cohesion by addressing prevalent land conflicts by integrating the MASLAH System and introducing the Alternative Justice System (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR).
However, such disputes have even resulted in violent confrontations, as seen in a recent incident where three people were killed over a boundary dispute.
Which areas will the land verification exercise extend to in Wajir County
The land verification exercise, expected to last until October 3, 2024, began on September 4, 2024.
The project is set to extend to encompass eleven surrounding areas within the Wajir Municipality: Township, Madina, Shalette, Got Rahma, Halane, Jogoo, Barwaqo, Alimaow, Hodan, and Wagberi-Orahey.
“This project demonstrates Governor Ahmed Abdullahi’s dedication to improving land management, settling conflicts, and encouraging sustainable development throughout the county,” Saadia said.
According to the County Government of Wajir, the EU, UN FAO, the Ministry of Lands, the Council of Governors, and NLC were all appreciated for their support and participation in the land clinic sessions held throughout the Wajir Municipality.
