Land titling and multiple claims of ownership are leading to insecurity in the Upper Eastern Region.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has also taken issue with drugs and substance abuse, and human-wildlife conflicts, among other concerns.
On his second day of the Jukwaa la Usalama, Upper Eastern Region Chapter, the CS noted that perennial land and border disputes have contributed to issues of insecurity in the region.
Speaking to journalists after chairing a security briefing meeting at Tharaka Nithi county commissioner’s office, the CS stated that although counties have unique challenges, land and boundary disputes cut across.
“There are issues of land where owners do not have title deeds, there are also double and triple claims of ownership and illegal occupation, “ the CS said.
He noted, “ The claims to titles are rampant and also physical occupying of land, resulting in community fights.”
Murkomen referred to the pending implementation of the Okongo Taskforce report commissioned by parliament to look into land disputes within counties which are complex and have consequences.
The Okongo Taskforce is a Kenyan initiative focused on resolving land disputes, particularly those in the counties.
The report aims to address land issues and ensure that disputes are settled efficiently and fairly, curbing the potential to lead to significant social and economic problems.
“We will see how to navigate this matter wisely with the involvement of local communities, enforcers and the various state agencies involved to find lasting solutions, “ he said.
He also waded into the issue of human-wildlife conflicts, saying the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is engaging the local communities on the matter of compensation.
“Illegal harders are occupying the park and in turn attack locals and steal their livestock. The officers have mounted a crackdown to flush out the illegal herders who take the opportunity of the conflict to steal from the locals,” the CS stated.
The resurgence of illicit brew and second-generation alcohol brewed in homesteads is a matter of grave concern, the CS said.
“The chiefs and assistant chiefs should ensure they work closely with the National Police Service (NPS) to upscale the crackdown on the perpetrators, “ he said.
He stressed that the existing security architecture should be working to fight the vice and not only during the National campaigns.