Coast leaders have publicly endorsed the Kenyan government's expanded land titling initiative, which aims to resolve decades-old land disputes and squatter issues in the region. President Dr. William Ruto launched the second phase of the National Land Titling Programme during a coastal tour, distributing 300,000 title deeds across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River counties. This phase follows the issuance of 33,000 deeds in the first round, with the government targeting 500,000 total documents to address historical land injustices. The initiative, which has already surpassed one million title deeds nationwide, focuses on securing land ownership for residents in settlement schemes like Dongo Kundu, Waitiki, and Mikindani, where formal documentation had been lacking for generations.
Mombasa politician Said Abdalla, a parliamentary aspirant for Nyali constituency in the 2027 general election, praised the programme as a critical step toward economic empowerment. He highlighted that title deeds would enable residents to access credit for development projects, while also addressing the threat of eviction by private developers and land cartels. Abdalla emphasized that the initiative would restore land security to communities that had long faced uncertainty over ancestral and settlement lands. "The steps being taken by the President will directly address the historical land injustices that had long marginalized the local population," he stated, noting that the programme would also reclaim public land illegally seized by private actors over the years.
The programme’s expansion comes amid growing concerns over land grabbing in the Coast region, which Abdalla described as reaching "alarming proportions." He called on authorities to crack down on land grabbers, urging stricter enforcement against those exploiting the lack of formal land records. The government’s efforts align with broader administrative reforms to resolve disputes that have fueled conflicts and hindered development in the area. While the titling initiative has been lauded for its potential to stabilize land tenure, critics argue that systemic challenges, including bureaucratic delays and enforcement gaps, could undermine its effectiveness.
Abdalla reiterated his support for President Ruto’s administration, framing the land titling programme as part of a broader development agenda. He argued that the Kenya Kwanza government deserves a second term to complete its policies, which he said are critical for national progress. The parliamentary aspirant’s endorsement underscores the political significance of land reform in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, as land ownership remains a central issue for voters in the Coast region. With the programme’s momentum, the government aims to balance economic growth with social equity, though its long-term success will depend on sustained implementation and transparency.