KNUT Urges Schools to Secure Title Deeds to Prevent Land Grabbing.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on public institutions, schools, churches, and other utilities, alongside their Chief Executive Officers, to address the growing threat of encroachment by private developers.
During a press briefing held in his office, KNUT Executive Secretary for West Pokot, Martin Sembelo, urged civic, government, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding schools, churches, and other vulnerable public utilities from illegal land grabs.
He emphasized the need for collective action to protect these essential resources.
Sembelo also appealed to the government to assist public institutions by issuing title deeds at subsidized costs across all counties.
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He highlighted that these facilities are constantly expanding and require secure land ownership to accommodate growth. Securing title deeds, he noted, would help ensure that these institutions are not subjected to unlawful encroachments.
Legal Basis for Protection
Sembelo pointed out that protecting public land aligns with the constitutional principles of Kenya. He referenced Article 53(b), which guarantees children the right to free and compulsory education, and Article 62(4), which provides for the safeguarding of public land.
These provisions, he argued, underline the necessity of defending public utilities against private exploitation.
Research by the “Shule Yangu Campaign” revealed concerning statistics. Approximately 83% of public institutions lack title deeds, 41% are at risk of encroachment, and 14% are currently involved in court battles over land disputes.
The report also highlighted the financial burden of land grabbing, with the country losing an estimated KSh750 million annually in related court cases. Sembelo advised Chief Executive Officers to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this issue.
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Kenya’s legal system provides multiple laws aimed at securing public institutions against encroachment. However, Sembelo’s remarks stressed the importance of enforcing these laws to ensure public land remains protected for the benefit of future generations.
KNUT Urges Schools to Secure Title Deeds to Prevent Land Grabbing
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