The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development has responded to reports that the government lost 366 title deeds.
In a statement on Sunday, September 29, the Ministry said its attention has been drawn to a gazette notice issued by the Government Printer on September 26, 2024, regarding 367 security papers that were stolen at the Printer.
However, the Ministry clarified that the documents stolen at the Government Printer are the papers that are used for printing Title Deeds and not the title deeds.
The Ministry said it relies on the government printer for the provision of the security documents used for printing Title Deeds.
“We would like to reassure Kenyans that what was stolen at the Government Printer are not title deeds but the papers that are used for printing titles. The papers can only become title deeds after they are handed over to the Ministry of Lands, filled with ownership details and sealed with the stamp and signature of the Registrar after all due processes are followed,” the Ministry said.
Ministry Accuses Land Cartels
Additionally, the Ministry said the most obvious motivation for the theft of the papers was an intention by corruption cartels to produce fake titles.
The Ministry explained that it has enhanced its mechanisms for fighting land fraud and is working closely with security agencies to defeat the mechanisms that cartels and corrupt officials have traditionally used to commit land fraud.
It added that anti-corruption efforts will be applied to ensure that none of the documents that have been reported as stolen become a threat to land ownership.
Also Read: Govt Announces Loss of 366 Title Deeds, Issues Warning to Kenyans
The Ministry revealed that one officers has been arrested in connection with the incident and assured the public that the integrity of the Titling process is intact and secure.
“The Government Printer has informed us that one officer working at the Printer has already been arrested by the security agencies in relation to the theft,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Treasury CS Intervenes After University Loses Title Deeds
Title Deeds Lost
In a gazette notice published on Friday, September 27, the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service announced that the government lost title deeds with serial numbers ranging from 5253001 to 5253367 could not be accounted for.
The Office said the government has revoked the listed titles, rendering them null and void adding that it will not be responsible for anyone who conducts business with them.
The government did not give reasons why the said title deeds were lost or who was responsible for the loss.
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