State to spend Sh1.5b to resettle squatters
By PSCU, February 26, 2025The government has set aside Sh1.5 billion to buy land from absentee landlords and re-settle squatters at the Coast, President William Ruto has said.
President Ruto said this is aimed at resolving historical land disputes and issue title deeds to residents of the region without ownership documents.
Ruto said plans to buy land from absentee landlords at the Coast will only benefit genuine squatters, President William Ruto has announced.
The president warned of stern action against individuals invading land in the pretext that it will be allocated to them.
“We are being told that some people are invading land owned by absentee landlords in the hope of benefitting from the government programme. Only squatters will benefit,” he said.
Speaking when he laid the foundation stone for 154 units of the Diani Affordable Housing Project in Kwale County on Tuesday, President Ruto directed police to be vigilant and arrest those who invade people’s lands.
“No Kenyan will be allowed to invade other people’s property. It’s unconstitutional. We are only sorting out the problem of those who are squatting on such land,” the President said.
He said the government’s strategy to pay absentee landlords is aimed at resolving historical land disputes and issuing title deeds to residents without ownership documents.
“We are issuing title deeds in the coastal region to address the longstanding land problem that has made many residents squatters, denying them the socio-economic benefits of land ownership,” he explained.
At the same time, the President pointed out that the government is focusing on four key areas to create job opportunities for Kenyans.
He singled out the Affordable Housing Programme as one of the initiatives that has so far created more than 250,000 jobs across the country.
The president explained that the Government was doing everything possible to ensure that every part of the country is benefitting from the 170,000 housing units under construction.
He pointed out that work abroad is another programme aimed at creating jobs. He said 2070 Kenyans have secured jobs outside the country, courtesy of the labour agreements.
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