During a series of public engagements in the coastal counties, the President pledged that the government would purchase idle land held by absentee landlords and redistribute it to thousands of squatters who have lived without title deeds for generations.
The announcement sparked excitement among residents who have long complained of historical injustices tied to land ownership. In many parts of the Coast, large tracts of prime land remain under the control of individuals and families who do not reside in the region, leaving locals landless despite occupying the areas for decades.
Speaking during his tour, Ruto said the government would not allow the situation to continue while thousands of families struggle without legal ownership of the land they call home.
He argued that landlessness has contributed significantly to poverty, unemployment and social tension in the region.
The President assured residents that his administration was committed to finding a lasting solution through a structured compensation and redistribution programme.
According to him, the government would negotiate with absentee landlords, acquire the unused land legally and hand it over to squatters through a transparent process.
Ruto said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader economic empowerment agenda at the Coast, where many communities depend on informal settlements and small scale economic activities for survival.
He maintained that securing land ownership would unlock investment opportunities and improve living standards.
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Local leaders accompanying the President welcomed the move, describing it as a historic intervention that could finally address one of the region’s most sensitive political issues.
Several leaders urged the government to move quickly and ensure the process is not derailed by bureaucracy or corruption.
Residents who attended the rallies expressed optimism, with many saying they had waited for years to hear a firm commitment from the national government.
Some squatters narrated how generations of their families have lived on contested land without electricity, water connections or the ability to develop permanent homes because they lacked ownership documents.
However, critics warned that implementing the plan could face legal and political hurdles, especially where ownership disputes exist.
Others questioned whether the government has enough resources to compensate landowners and complete the redistribution exercise effectively.
Despite the concerns, the President insisted the programme would proceed and urged coastal communities to support government initiatives aimed at transforming the region’s economy.
He also reiterated that resolving the land question remains central to achieving lasting peace and development at the Coast.
The renewed focus on land rights is expected to become a major political issue ahead of the 2027 General Election as leaders intensify campaigns for influence in the vote-rich region.
