MALINDI, Kenya — The Ministry of Lands is seeking Cabinet approval to waive over Sh6 billion in interest accrued on unpaid settlement scheme fees, in a bid to help thousands of Kenyans finally receive their long-delayed title deeds.
Speaking during the official opening of the new Malindi Lands Registry, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome confirmed that a Cabinet memo on the waiver has already been submitted to the Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury for review.
“I have sent a request to the Treasury CS. We have also discussed the matter with the President so that, if agreed, we can waive the interest on the fees,” Wahome said. “The memo is now with the AG and the Treasury CS for consideration.”
Relief for Land Beneficiaries
The proposal follows calls by Kilifi leaders who say the high interest charged on original settlement scheme fees has made it nearly impossible for many residents to clear their balances with the Settlement Fund Trustees (SFT).
As a result, thousands of title deeds remain uncollected, some dating back decades.
Local leaders present at the event—including Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana, Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, and former Magarini MP Harrison Kombe—urged the government to write off the interest, allowing landowners to settle only the original amounts owed.
CS Wahome acknowledged the challenge and revealed that across the country, registries are holding large volumes of uncollected title deeds. In Malindi alone, she said, 33,000 documents remain unclaimed.
“Title deeds are essential for securing land rights,” she said, urging beneficiaries to pay any remaining fees and collect their documents.
Historic Land Schemes to Be Closed
Wahome also announced that the Ministry has begun the process of winding up all pending settlement schemes dating back to the 1960s.
This, she said, will pave the way for title issuance and final discharges.
Additionally, the CS urged foreign holders of freehold and 999-year lease titles to surrender them in exchange for 99-year leases in line with Kenya’s constitutional and policy requirements.
She revealed that the Ministry has processed 7,000 new title deeds for Kilifi County, and she plans to return to the region to issue them.
Over 170,000 land transaction records have already been transferred to the new Malindi registry, which will now serve both Malindi and Magarini sub-counties.
Ongoing Reforms and Services
The CS further announced ongoing land adjudication in several parts of Kilifi, including Kibokoni, Chakama Phase III, Adu/Kamale, Pumwani Phase III, and Wakala.
To improve efficiency and service delivery, Wahome said three new land control boards will be established in Kilifi County to complement the existing two.
Governor Mung’aro, in his remarks, called on land officials to work closely with communities to resolve disputes amicably and speed up documentation for the benefit of residents.
