President William Ruto today issued 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing land ownership challenges.

The ceremony, part of a wider initiative spanning Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties, seeks to resolve disputes that have delayed projects worth over Ksh 500 billion annually, according to 2023 World Bank figures.

The event, attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, drew thousands of residents celebrating the milestone.

Speaking at the event on November 13, 2025, Ruto highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential, saying, “Issued 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in our endeavour to address land ownership challenges across the country, including in Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties.”

Launch of Kamuwongo-Kandwia Road

In a push to improve infrastructure, Ruto officially launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road.

The project forms part of the broader Mwingi-Kamuwongo-Ciangera network, linking the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town with the Ena-Chiakariga road.

“Also launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road, which is part of the Mwingi-Kamuwongo-Ciangera road. It will link the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town with the Ena-Chiakariga road and help improve access to markets for produce from the region,” he said.

The upgraded road is expected to enhance regional connectivity, providing local farmers with easier access to markets and boosting the semi-arid region’s economic potential.

New market to boost local economy

President Ruto also inspected and handed over the newly constructed Kamuwongo fresh produce market to the Kitui County Government. “Inspected and handed over the Kamuwongo fresh produce market in Mwingi North to the County Government of Kitui,” he said.

The market, which can accommodate over 200 traders, is designed to create employment opportunities and stimulate local commerce. “This new market will host more than 200 traders and help unlock Kamuwongo’s business potential, expanding employment opportunities for the youth and powering the area’s economic growth,” Ruto added.

The ceremony coincided with the impending end of the current NLC commissioners’ term on November 14. The President has established a selection panel for the recruitment of new members, declaring,

“I declare impending vacancies in the positions of chairperson and member of the commission, with effect from November 14, 2025 and constitute a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees.” Legal challenges have temporarily delayed the recruitment process, adding complexity to the ongoing land reform efforts.

Ruto commended the outgoing National Land Commission (NLC) team for their efforts in land reforms, following the submission of their exit report on November 12. “I commend the team for their dedication and contributions to the land reforms agenda and wish them success in their future endeavours,” he added.