Only 5,226 of The 31,290 Public Schools Have Title Deeds
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome disclosed that out of the 31,290 public schools nationwide, only 5,226 possess title deeds. The data further reveals that in eight counties, only 20 public schools have obtained titles, with a school in Tana River being one of them.
According to the CS, Isiolo and Wajir each have one school with a title, while Garissa and Samburu have three, Mandera two, Marsabit four, and Turkana six. Isiolo has 146 schools: Wajir 298, Garissa 236, Samburu 209, Mandera 311, Marsabit 185, and Turkana 484.
ALSO READ: Govt Disburses Sh30.5 Billion School Capitation
In her address to the Senate on Wednesday, Ms. Wahome announced the establishment of a multi-agency working group in 2018 to accelerate the titling of public schools. This group, consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Education, Lands, and the National Lands Commission (NLC), produced a report indicating the current situation.
The report shows that the NLC has reserved land for 5,799 schools in the registers, pending the issuance of a gazette notice. Ms. Wahome expressed concern over the slow progress of the titling process since 1960, noting that individuals around the schools have encroached upon the lands.
Ms. Wahome explained, “It should be noted that this list is not conclusive as there are schools whose titles have been processed but the information has not been captured while others are being processed.” She emphasised that, despite efforts, there’s still a long way to go in the titling process.
The discussion arose after Kirinyaga Senator James Murango requested a status report on the issuance of title deeds to public schools, particularly in Kirinyaga County, as well as measures to expedite the process.
In response to the senator’s question, Ms. Wahome revealed that, according to the 2019 audit report, only 78 of the 335 public schools in Kirinyaga County have titles, leaving the remaining 257 untitled.
The CS also addressed concerns from Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo regarding the low number of titled schools in their respective counties. Ms. Wahome reassured them about the implementation of measures to tackle the issue, which includes a more meticulous adjudication process.
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga inquired about churches and colonial villages left behind in the titling process. Ms. Wahome explained that churches are independent institutions responsible for obtaining titles, and efforts are underway to address the titling of colonial villages.
Acknowledging the slow progress, Ms. Wahome outlined measures being taken to expedite the process, including a pilot program scheduled for Kirinyaga and Busia counties. She also mentioned the preparation of a draft procedure manual on the titling of public utility land, currently under review by stakeholders.
In Our Other News: KUCCPS Courses Review and Revision Centers
Only 5,226 of The 31,290 Public Schools Have Title Deeds
