Shockwaves as 367 Title Deed Security Papers Stolen from Government Printer
. “The most obvious motivation for the theft of the papers was an intention by corruption cartels to produce fake titles,” the statement read.

The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development has issued an official statement addressing the recent theft of 367 security papers used for printing title deeds from the Government Printer.
In a gazette notice released on September 26, 2024, the Government Printer confirmed the theft, sparking concerns about the potential for land fraud. However, the Ministry of Lands sought to reassure Kenyans that the stolen papers are not actual title deeds but rather documents used in the title deed printing process.
“The documents stolen at the Government Printer are the papers used for printing title deeds,” the Ministry stated. It clarified that these security papers only become official title deeds after they are processed, filled with ownership details, and signed by the Registrar of Lands. “The papers can only become title deeds after they are handed over to the Ministry of Lands, filled with ownership details, and sealed with the stamp and signature of the Registrar after all due processes are followed,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry also indicated that the theft appears to have been motivated by corruption cartels aiming to produce fake titles. “The most obvious motivation for the theft of the papers was an intention by corruption cartels to produce fake titles,” the statement read.
In response to the theft, the Ministry highlighted its intensified efforts to combat land fraud. It assured the public that mechanisms are in place to prevent the stolen papers from being used to undermine land ownership. “The Ministry of Lands has enhanced its mechanisms for fighting land fraud and is working closely with security agencies to defeat the mechanisms that cartels and corrupt officials have traditionally used to commit land fraud,” the Ministry noted, underscoring the importance of their anti-corruption efforts.
Furthermore, the Ministry disclosed that an individual working at the Government Printer had already been arrested in connection with the theft. “The Government Printer has informed us that one officer working at the Printer has already been arrested by the security agencies in relation to the theft,” it confirmed.
In conclusion, the Ministry reassured Kenyans that the integrity of the titling process remains intact and secure, despite the theft. “We want to assure everyone that the integrity of our Titling process is intact and secure,” the statement concluded.
This reassurance comes as the Ministry continues to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that land ownership processes are not compromised by corrupt activities.