Trans Nzoia County Moves Forward with Land Tenure Regularization for Informal Settlements.
The department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development held a successful meeting with the County Assembly’s Lands Committee to discuss the World Bank-funded Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) 2.
The project aims to regularize land tenure for residents of Khalabana and Maridadi informal settlements.
CEC Lands Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama presented physical planning maps for the two settlements, highlighting the importance of committee input before presenting the plans to the full County Assembly for approval.
“This meeting ensures Lands Committee members have a prior picture on the planning and can provide valuable feedback,” Mutama said. “Their contributions will be considered before seeking County Assembly approval, streamlining the process.”
Mutama also addressed concerns regarding market planning across the county. Unplanned settlements often lead to disputes when the department attempts to implement official plans.
“Public participation is crucial,” Mutama explained. “Sometimes residents settle without following proper procedures, exceeding the available plots. This creates conflict when the department steps in later.”
Mutama urged County Assembly members to allocate funds from their ward-specific budgets to support planning for smaller, local markets. Reliance on the Lands Department can create delays.
“This financial year, our budget covers planning for three urban areas,” Mutama said. “Reaching local markets will take longer. By allocating some funds for market planning in your wards, we can expedite the process.”
Following the finalization of plans, the department will hold another meeting with the committee for approval before implementation. Residents of Khalabana and Maridadi can then expect to receive land ownership documents.
Mutama commended the Lands Committee for their support, particularly regarding the recent approval of Kiminini town status. The department plans to gazette the status this week, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promising funding for the launch.
“Collaboration with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development is also underway,” Mutama added. “A 300 million Kenyan shilling modern market is planned for Kiminini, alongside smaller markets in Kwanza, Endebess, Saboti, with construction already ongoing in Sibanga and Bikeke.”
The Lands Committee Chair, Sirende Ward Representative, applauded the department’s efforts and World Bank support.
He called for the program’s expansion to other wards with informal settlements.
“Many other informal settlements require assistance for residents to obtain land titles,” the Chair added.
The Committee pledged to support the department in fulfilling its mandate to the people of Trans Nzoia, acknowledging this as a key benefit of devolution, bringing services closer to the grassroots level.
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