Title deeds issued to settlers in Eastern Mau remain invalid- CS Wahome

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has declared that more than 20,000 title deeds issued in the Eastern Mau and Marmanet forests remain invalid.

Speaking during separate tours of Nyandarua and Laikipia counties on Friday, August 23, 2025, Wahome said the government will not recognize “roadside declarations” previously used to allocate land in ecologically sensitive areas.

“All land allocations must undergo proper legal procedures. Due process has to be followed for any title to be considered valid,” said Wahome.

“Any land that has been carved out or allowed to be carved out from the forest, the carving out or a pronouncement by a president is not sufficient to give you the land.”

The CS explained that the Ministry of Environment must first approve any use of forest land for purposes such as human settlement or government projects.

She said the process of degazettement must be initiated by the Environment Ministry, submitted to the Cabinet for approval, and then forwarded to Parliament for final authorization.

“So it is still not yet final until the bigger segment is approved by Parliament,” Wahome added.

The CS also reiterated the government’s commitment to expediting the digitization of land records across the country, describing it as a transformative national priority.

She disclosed that 15 additional counties have been identified for the rollout of the digitization programme, marking a pivotal step toward nationwide implementation of digital land records.

“Land digitization is a complex exercise that involves extensive resources, but it is necessary to modernize our systems. Across Africa, only a few countries have successfully managed such a transition,” she said.

She added that new offices would also be constructed in Laikipia and Samburu to further decentralize land services and bring them closer to the people.