Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has vowed to crack down on rampant land fraud in Kisumu, which she says is a major obstacle to revenue collection. During an unannounced visit to the Kisumu Lands Office, Wahome emphasized the need for efficiency, transparency, and accountability in land transactions.
Revenue Collection Push
Wahome underscored the urgency of increasing revenue collection to ease the tax burden on Kenyans.
“This is the year I am pushing for revenue collection because Kenyans want to pay less, and whatever they pay must be accounted for. The more we collect through services, the more we contribute to the national budget,” she said.
She revealed that Kisumu currently collects Ksh119 million in stamp duty and Ksh79 million from land transactions, totaling Ksh200 million. However, she has set a new revenue target of Ksh300 million, urging faster service delivery to attract more transactions.
Crackdown on Land Fraud
The CS issued a stern warning against land fraud, calling on individuals holding forged title deeds to surrender them voluntarily or face legal consequences.
“If you have a forged title, we will pursue you and have you jailed. Fraud in land transactions means my officers aided or facilitated it, and we are determined to clean up the system,” Wahome declared.
She acknowledged that some staff may have been involved in document forgery, including illegal alterations to green cards. A crackdown is underway to identify and take action against any complicit officers.
Resolving Land Disputes
Wahome also addressed the surge in land disputes, particularly those related to boundaries and succession.
“People keep encroaching—one foot today, six inches tomorrow—but that does not give you the right to own land illegally. My registrar will handle four disputes per week, dedicating two days to field visits,” she announced.
She reminded residents that courts rely on reports from government surveyors and registrars to resolve disputes and urged locals to respect land boundaries.
Market Development and Regional Inclusivity
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional development, Wahome highlighted the ongoing construction of 31 Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) markets across six counties, including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, and Busia.
“The budget for ESP markets is Ksh1.8 billion, with some nearing completion. This region will not be left behind in President William Ruto’s broad-based government,” she stated.
She concluded by calling for national unity and inclusivity, adding, “We are praying for Raila Odinga to win the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.”
