NMS, Lands Ministry begin processing title deeds 

Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has begun processing titles and leases for county allotted land. 

The plan, which is being carried out with the Lands Ministry, began on Tuesday and ends on October 10. 

The offices will be collecting documents from the land owners for processing of the titles or leases.

Lands Principal Secretary Nicholas Muraguri and NMS deputy head Kang’ethe Thuku said the process is part of a wider plan that will enable landowners realise the potential of their properties. 

“It is hereby notified to all concerned Nairobi City County government land allotees and the general public that the county government, in collaboration with the national government, has embarked on processing of certificates of title/leases for the untitled county allotted land in the capital city,” a public notice by NMS reads in part.

Landowners have been asked to present documents identifying them as the bona fide owners of the titles or leases.

The requisite documents include original allotment documents, two recent colour passport photos, copy of the national ID card, copy of KRA pin certificate and clearance certificate in respect of any outstanding county plot dues.

“Please note the above documents should be submitted from Wednesday September 23, 2020 to October 10, 2020 between 9am and 4pm as hereunder,” the notice reads.

Land owners

The development comes amidst heightened plans to issue title deeds to landowners in the capital city which has seen over 30,000 titles issued to various land owners.

In August alone, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the issuance of more than 30, 000 title deeds to owners of the Embakasi Ranching Company as well as 2,100 titles to Nairobi Eastland’s landowners including Kayole, Dandora, Mathare and Kariobangi.

The latter process has, however, dragged for over a month despite the President giving NMS and the county government two weeks to ensure the titles reach their owners.

Early this month, the Nairobi County Assembly raised concerns over the issue with Kayole Central MCA Jeremiah Themendu, through a request for statement on the floor of the House, saying that there have been complaints from residents that they are allegedly being asked to pay Sh30, 000 each, purportedly for lawyers to process the title deeds before issuance.

This, he said, is contrary to President Kenyatta’s directive that the title deeds be issued to their owners free of charge with the MCA calling for investigations to unearth the reasons for the persistent delays in issuance of the deeds even after payment of the fees by a section of Eastland residents.