President William Ruto will begin a multi-county development tour in Kenya's Coast region on Saturday, distributing 199,459 title deeds across six counties and launching the $16 billion East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The initiative, part of the government's plan to issue 500,000 land ownership documents, targets longstanding land disputes that have plagued the region for decades. The tour will cover Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu counties, with the president scheduled to issue 31,318 deeds in Taita-Taveta, 94,175 in Kwale, 36,826 in Kilifi, 4,360 in Mombasa, and 22,770 in Lamu and Tana River. State House confirmed the distribution would provide formal land ownership to beneficiaries, enabling economic development activities in areas historically affected by land insecurity.
The tour also includes the groundbreaking of the East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a $16 billion project led by the Kenyan government and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. The refinery, set to process crude from Turkana County's Lokichar fields, aims to supply petroleum products across East and Central Africa. Officials highlighted that the project would enhance Kenya's energy security while creating over 500,000 jobs. This marks the first major infrastructure milestone under Ruto's administration, following his pledge to prioritize regional development and address historical land challenges through formal documentation and investment.
Land ownership disputes in the Coast region have long fueled conflicts and hindered economic progress, with many communities lacking formal titles for generations. The title deed distribution, part of a broader effort to resolve administrative land issues, seeks to empower residents by granting legal recognition of their property rights. State House emphasized that the initiative would reduce squatter conflicts and provide a foundation for land-based economic activities, including agriculture and real estate development. The program aligns with Ruto's administration's focus on inclusive growth, ensuring that marginalized groups benefit from government-led land reforms.
During the tour, Ruto will also inspect completed projects, review ongoing developments, and engage with local leaders to prioritize future initiatives. The visit underscores the government's commitment to addressing regional disparities and fostering sustainable development. With the refinery's construction set to begin, the tour highlights Kenya's strategic push to strengthen energy infrastructure and position itself as a regional energy hub. The event draws attention to the interplay between land reform, economic investment, and national development goals in the Coast region.