Why So Many Kenyan Landowners Lack Title Deeds: Shocking Report Unveils Surprising Causes
Despite being landowners, the majority of Kenyans lack title deeds, which has been cited as a significant issue, particularly at a time when land grabbing is on the rise.
Only 37% of landowners in Kenya have title deeds, according to a report by the National Crime Research Centre.
Experts are alarmed by the low number and query why these Kenyans do not follow up to have their documents processed.
Nonetheless, the report emphasizes that it is not the landowners’ fault and instead places the culpability on the government.
“Lack of proper legal documents may not entirely be blamed on an individual because registration of title in the land throughout Kenya as per article 67 (2) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya is an obligation of the government,” reads part of the report.
In addition, the report notes that some landowners rely on documents such as a written will, lease, share certificate, allotment letter, and sale/purchase agreement to prove ownership.
According to the report, 2.5 percent, 1.4 percent, 19.0 percent, 11.3 percent, and 11.4 percent of landowners have the above documentation, respectively.
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According to a draft advisory report published by the National Lands Commission in 2018, less than 30 percent of Kenya’s total area is registered.
“Approximately 4.06 million title deeds were registered countrywide accounting for 8,346,081.99 hectares of land registered,” reads the report in parts.
The Baseline Survey Report on Land-Related Crimes Kenya suggested that the pertinent state departments and agencies expedite the land registration and land ownership document issuance processes.
According to the report, the majority of Kenyans acquired land either through purchase or inheritance. Other ownership methods mentioned in the report include gifting and leasing.
“The study established that the majority of land owners were locals (70.8 percent), whereas 29.2 percent were non-locals who acquired land in the locality,” read the report in parts.
In addition, the report uncovered a gender disparity in the ownership of productive assets such as land in developing nations such as Kenya, where males are disproportionately favored.
Why So Many Kenyan Landowners Lack Title Deeds: Shocking Report Unveils Surprising Causes
