For decades, residents of 11 informal settlements in Kirinyaga County have lived in uncertainty, squatting on land that held no legal recognition.

Now, a transformative initiative spearheaded by Governor Anne Waiguru is reshaping their future.

A beaconing and topographical survey across these historically colonial villages is paving the way for title deeds, turning the dream of land ownership into a reality.

"Our aim is to ensure people living in the colonial villages get title deeds," Waiguru declared, underlining the monumental impact of the project.

"It is a huge step towards improving living conditions in the informal settlements. The land tenure regularisation will also help us improve infrastructure and the overall quality of life for our people."

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The project, backed by the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Program (KISIP) and financed by the World Bank and Agence Française de Development (AFD), will see 91.2 hectares surveyed and divided into 1,750 plots.

Of these, 1,664 plots will go to individual owners, with 86 plots earmarked for public amenities.

Waiguru noted that her administration is committed to fast-tracking the issuance of the title deeds.

"Together with other interventions under the KISIP programme, we have ignited hope for hundreds of residents living in informal settlements in Kirinyaga," she added.

The initiative also extends beyond land ownership. Dennis Kimathi, GeoDev Kenya Limited's Technical Lead, explained that spaces for roads, drainage systems, and other public utilities are being incorporated into the plans.

"We are planning and beaconing to eradicate informality," he said, emphasising the creation of accessible and functional settlements.

Residents, many of whom have endured decades of disputes and indignity, expressed their gratitude.

Eliud Muriithi, Chair of Kiburu Informal Settlement, said the beaconing exercise will resolve long-standing border disputes.

Meanwhile, Jefitha Bundi from Ithareini colonial village described the project as "life-changing," saying, "This initiative has restored dignity to people who have lived here as squatters for years."

With the survey nearing completion, the once-overlooked villages of Kirinyaga are poised to begin a new chapter, where security of tenure and infrastructure development will usher in a brighter future.