MOMBASA, Kenya — Leaders from the Coast region have rallied behind President William Ruto following the issuance of more than 35,000 title deeds, describing the initiative as a historic milestone in resolving the region’s long-standing land ownership disputes.
In a joint message of support, the leaders said the government’s land reforms had offered residents “dignity, ownership, security, and renewed hope” after decades of uncertainty surrounding ancestral land and absentee landlord claims.
The issuance of the title deeds forms part of the government’s broader effort to address historical land injustices that have affected thousands of families across the Coast region since Independence.
According to the leaders, the move will provide legal security to residents who have, for years, lived under the threat of eviction despite occupying the land for generations.
“It means families can finally sleep in peace, secure in the knowledge that no one will forcibly evict them from their ancestral homes,” the statement said.
Push to resolve land disputes
The Coast region has for decades faced persistent disputes linked to absentee landlords, historical allocation of land, and undocumented settlements, issues that have repeatedly featured in political campaigns and policy debates.
During his ongoing development tour of the region, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Lands to accelerate the subdivision of land owned by absentee landlords and issue ownership documents to residents currently classified as squatters.
The President also announced plans to issue additional title deeds in the coming months as part of efforts to regularize ownership and reduce conflicts tied to land tenure.
Political support grows
Regional leaders praised Ruto’s administration for what they termed an inclusive and transformative leadership approach, arguing that the government had shown willingness to confront sensitive issues that previous administrations failed to resolve.
They pledged continued political support for the President’s development agenda in the Coast region, citing infrastructure projects, land reforms, and economic empowerment initiatives as signs of renewed government focus on the area.
Historical significance
Land ownership remains one of the most politically sensitive and emotionally charged issues at the Coast, where many residents have historically lacked formal documentation despite long-term occupation of property.
The government maintains that the reforms are intended to promote social justice, economic inclusion, and long-term stability in the region.
