Kenya's Coast Region Receives 30,000 Land Title Deeds in Historic Distribution
Mombasa, 22 May 2026
President William Ruto launched an ambitious land reform programme targeting 200,000 households who have lived without formal ownership for generations, starting with over 30,000 title deeds distributed across six coastal counties on 21st May 2026 in Mombasa.
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Development Agenda
The five-day presidential tour, which commenced on Thursday, 21st May 2026, encompasses a comprehensive development agenda across all six coastal counties [1]. President Ruto’s itinerary includes launching, inspecting, and handing over projects focused on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements throughout the region [1]. The tour represents a significant government commitment to addressing long-standing development disparities that have affected coastal communities for decades [1].
Addressing Historical Land Rights Issues
The land title distribution ceremony in Mvita Constituency attracted over 15,000 residents from across the coastal counties [2]. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasised that the ultimate land reform programme targets 200,000 households who have been without title deeds as evidence of ownership of land they have occupied for many generations [2]. This initiative directly addresses historical land ownership challenges that have plagued coastal communities, with many families having lived on their land without formal documentation for decades [2]. The programme forms part of five priority areas promised by President Ruto in 2022, including the return of port operations to Mombasa, removal of vetting for identity card acquisition, land reforms and eradication of the squatter programme, equality for the Coast region in development matters, and expansion of the blue economy [2].
Multi-County Development Projects Across the Coast
In Lamu County, President Ruto is scheduled to commission the completed Kizingitini Fish Market in Lamu East Constituency and inspect the Hindi Modern Market in Lamu West [1]. The tour will also see the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the A7 Junction Safirisi–Ndeu road project [1]. Electricity infrastructure receives significant attention, with last-mile electricity projects planned for launch at Hindi in Lamu West, and additional sites in Kwale and Kilifi counties [1]. In Kwale County specifically, the President will launch last-mile electricity projects at Kinango, Lunga Lunga, and Diani in Msambweni, whilst commissioning the completed Diani Modern Market [1]. The county will also witness the groundbreaking for student hostels at Lunga Lunga Technical and Vocational College [1].
Blue Economy and Strategic Infrastructure Investments
Kilifi County features prominently in the development agenda, with President Ruto expected to commission the Mariakani Power Sub-Station in Kaloleni Constituency [1]. The county will benefit from electricity project launches in Malindi town, Ganze, Mariakani, and Mjanaheri [1]. Road infrastructure development includes groundbreaking for the Tezo–Kakanjuni road in Kilifi North and the upgrade of the Mjanaheri–Ngomeni road in Magarini [1]. Foundation stones will be laid for modern markets in Kaloleni, Ganze, and Nyali, as well as for the construction of Kilifi Stadium in Kilifi town [1]. The blue economy receives direct support through the handover of fishing boats to groups in Malindi, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding maritime economic opportunities for coastal residents [1]. In Tana River County, the President will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Garsen Teachers Training College and break ground for the Minjila Affordable Housing Project in Garsen [1].