Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, has urged Kenyans to resolve land boundary disputes through land registrars instead of relying on the courts.
The CS made the remarks during a two-day development tour of Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Laikipia counties, focusing on land registries, markets, and affordable housing programmes.
“Kenyans must understand that boundary disputes are not resolved by courts. The quickest way to address this is to visit your local registrar, discuss your problem with them, and allow the registrar to ascertain which parcels interact with your land,” Wahome stated.
She reiterated that the courts should only be considered a last resort in cases where registrars delay in handling disputes.
“The law allows the registrar to resolve a land boundary dispute; it is not a court matter. Get these cases out of court and go back to the registrar. If you require a court order to compel the registrar, who is not acting swiftly, you can obtain that, and the registrar will be ordered to take immediate action,” she added.
During her tour, the CS also raised concerns over encroachment at Lake Naivasha, citing instances in Kihoto where individuals obtained questionable titles in riparian areas. She noted that the Ministry would involve the Director of Survey to verify genuine cases and determine whether properties are situated on protected riparian land.
Additionally, Wahome directed land registry officials to tighten revenue and fee collection, insisting on full remittance to government coffers. She highlighted stamp duty as a critical source of national revenue that supports public priorities such as education and infrastructure.
The CS began her visit at the Naivasha Lands Registry, underscoring the importance of understanding operational environments as a basis for strengthening service delivery. Her engagements aim to evaluate both the successes achieved and the challenges faced by land offices.
