Kenya has stepped up efforts to address land tenure insecurity in colonial villages across the country’s settlements more than six decades since gaining internal rule.

Established during the colonial era, the government is working towards transitioning residents from informal occupancy to formal ownership.

Through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II), with support from the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by the national government in collaboration with county departments of lands, physical planning, and urban development, authorities have been carrying out beaconing and land surveys to pave the way for the issuance of title deeds.

The initiative will not only to grant ownership documents but also to improve living conditions of thousands of residents in informal settlements. KISIP II includes upgrading of roads, drainage systems and other essential amenities to transform these areas into planned residential neighbourhoods.

In Kirinyaga County, where KISIP is regularising 11 colonial villages, more than 1,600 residents are expected to benefit. The upgrades are expected to enhance livelihoods and end decades of land tenure insecurity.

A spot check in Kerugoya found that many beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with progress, even as they await full implementation of the project’s promises.

Humphrey Mureithi, a resident of Mukinduri village, one of the 11 colonial villages in Kirinyaga County designated for land tenure regularisation, said life had long been uncertain due to the lack of clear land boundaries.

“There were no fences or defined plots, and minor disagreements among neighbours have been easily escalating into disputes,” he said.

Mureithi, who is the village chairman, noted that news of the KISIP project and the promise of land ownership has revived hope among residents.

“Many people dream of leaving these conditions behind, selling their plots and building better lives elsewhere,” he said.

Mureithi said the project is about 75 per cent complete as land mapping has already been done. However, final verification of ownership is still ongoing.

“People are waiting anxiously for title deeds and clarity on ownership,” he said.

He acknowledged that challenges remain, including small plot sizes, cases of joint ownership and uncertainty over compensation for land affected by planned developments.

Despite these hurdles, Mureithi said, the community remains optimistic that secure land ownership and improved infrastructure will increase property values and transform the area. Mukinduri, which was established decades ago as a government settlement, continues to grow, with its future now tied to the promise of reform.

Joel Macharia, a resident of Kamwiru village in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, observed: “I was born and raised here. I now live with my older brother after our parents passed away and we have taken responsibility for our home,” he said.

He expressed gratitude for the KISIP project, noting that it has helped resolve frequent land disputes.

“Before KISIP, residents often complained of their land space being invaded, leading to constant quarrels over boundaries. Now, proper beacons have been placed, and these issues have reduced,” he said.

Macharia added that the prospect of receiving title deeds will bring security and new opportunities.

“With a title deed, I can access loans to expand my projects, including improving my boda business. This will greatly improve my livelihood,” he said.

Josephine Waruguru Wachira, a resident of Ithairine village in Kirinyaga East Sub-County, said her family has lived in the area for generations without formal ownership documents.

“We are asking for help to obtain title deeds. Currently, we only have informal documents, which limit our ability to access loans, sell land or develop it properly,” she said.

Waruguru noted that lack of ownership has denied residents full control over their land.

“Without title deeds, we cannot build freely, expand businesses, or even bury our loved ones on our land,” she said, adding that more than 200 households in the area face similar challenges.

“A title deed would give us security, confidence, and opportunities for growth. We appeal to the government and partners like KISIP to help us secure our land and improve our future,” Waruguru said.

Many residents in Kirinyaga County’s informal settlements have lived there for over 60 years without formal land rights. As a result, many homes remain dilapidated and temporary.

Over the past two years, the government, through KISIP II, has focused on enhancing tenure security and improving infrastructure in urban informal settlements.

Key components of the project include institutional strengthening; land tenure regularisation through planning, surveying and titling; infrastructure development such as roads, water, sanitation and lighting; and planning for sustainable urban growth, often supported by community-led initiatives.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Ndirangu