Very funny: Angry Kibera residents held protests on Tuesday following reports that title deeds would be issued in the area.
The protestors milled around Olympic area, burning tyres on the streets and blocking the roads roads leading into the area.
The protestors say Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and Kibra MP Ken Okoth visited the area earlier in the day in preparation for issuance of title deeds over the weekend.
They said the MP had stoked their anger by working with Mrs Ngilu, adding that he had betrayed them.
Source – nation.co.ke
Residents of Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, have recently staged protests against the government’s plan to issue title deeds in the area.
The controversy centers on the issuance of a communal title deed for 288 acres to the Nubian community, who claim the land as their ancestral home.
While some residents support the move, others argue that all communities in Kibera should be included in the land allocation.
The Nubian community asserts that they were resettled in Kibera by the colonial government as a reward for their service during World War I.
They believe the land title will provide them with legal recognition and protection. However, other Kibera residents feel excluded and demand equal treatment.
This disagreement has led to demonstrations and heightened tensions in the area.
The government’s plan to issue title deeds is part of a broader initiative to upgrade informal settlements. However, the process has been met with resistance due to concerns over potential evictions and the allocation of land.
Residents fear that the upgrading projects may lead to the displacement of long-standing communities without adequate compensation or relocation plans.
The situation in Kibera highlights the complexities of land ownership and community rights in urban informal settlements. It underscores the need for inclusive policies that consider the histories and rights of all residents to ensure equitable development and social harmony.
