I have failed Trans Nzoia residents, Governor Patrick Khaemba says
Trans Nzoia County Governor Patrick Khaemba has said he feels ashamed that he has not delivered the promise of issuing land title deeds to all the residents of Trans Nzoia before exiting the political stage next year.
Speaking during the inauguration of members of a Lands Task Force tasked with developing an inventory of all public lands, Khaemba said he has failed to deliver the promise that would have seen all people in Trans Nzoia have title deeds.
"When I came into the office, I didn’t know the reality, I was so excited. One of the things I promised the people of Trans Nzoia is that by the time I leave office I will have given them title deeds. What a Shame, I have failed because title deeds are not under my jurisdiction” Khaemba said.
The county boss however, expressed optimism that he will deliver some of the title deeds within the remaining time in office.
“There’s still time, the few months left, if we can cover up to 80,000 title deeds, I think I will leave a proud man” he added.
Governor Khaemba said his efforts to help Trans Nzoia residents acquire title deeds have bore no fruits and called on members of the public to petition the national assembly, the senate as well as the Office of the President so that the land issues can be addressed.
“Wananchi you have two options, ours has failed. I want you to prepare petitions and present them to your representatives in Nairobi. The second one you can petition the national assembly, the senate or even the president so that when he tours our county we can present it to him” the second term Governor said.
He also urged the national government to implement the Ndung'u Commission report that gave recommendations on how to address land issues in this country.
“Trans Nzoia land issues were mentioned in the 2003 Ndung’u Commission report. We are asking the government to consider that report which gave very nice recommendation on all pending issues in this country” he added.
On his part, Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Stanley Tarus challenged members of the taskforce to ensure all grabbed public lands are reclaimed. He urged people who have encroached on public land to surrender them back before they are evicted.
“We are not able to carry out urban development and expansion of Kitale town since some people have grabbed spaces meant for expansion” Tarus said.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Sam Ojwang said the national government will work with the county government to repossess all grabbed lands.
