President Ruto issues 5,000 title deeds at Mama Ngina Waterfront as Omar Shallo and UDA leaders back the Coast land titling drive. Read the full story.
For thousands of families in Mombasa, Saturday at the Mama Ngina Waterfront was the day a long wait ended.
President William Ruto handed over 5,000 title deeds to beneficiaries from the Dongo Kundu, Waitiki, Mwakirunge, Mikindani and Mafisini settlement schemes. For many, it was the first time they held legal proof of ownership of the land they live on.
The exercise is part of 300,000 title deeds being issued across the Coast region this week, under a push to resolve historical land issues and give families lasting security.
Leaders on the ground
Among those present was Omar Shallo, a UDA aspirant for the Mvita parliamentary seat, who attended alongside UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Sarai and other Coast leaders.
Shallo said the programme is giving families "dignity, security and certainty" and described the day as another significant milestone in addressing historical land issues.
"As a leader, I remain committed to being part of a leadership that listens to the people, protects their interests and delivers tangible development," he said. He ended with a message to his own backyard: "Mombasa is moving forward. Mvita is moving forward. The Coast is moving forward."
Beyond the ceremony
Handing over a title deed is a milestone, but residents will be watching what comes after: whether every beneficiary receives their document, how disputed parcels are handled, and whether the process stays transparent as it reaches more counties.