The Ministry of Lands has come out to clarify reports claiming that 367 title deeds were stolen from the Government Printer.

This comes after the Government Printer issued a gazette notice on September 26 claiming the title deeds had been stolen, sending Kenyans into panic mode. 

In its rebuttal, the Ministry elucidated that the stolen items were 367 security papers normally used for printing titles. 

"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 Ministry said. 

The ministry believes that corrupt officials at the Government Printer were behind the heist, seeking to use the papers for printing fake deeds.

"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," it added. 

The ministry sought to assure Kenyans that their title deeds are safe and vowed to crack down on the fraudsters. 

One officer working at the Printer has been apprehended and is helping with investigations.