Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Trade Dr Philip Chebunet has praised Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim for addressing land ownership and title deed issues affecting residents, saying leaders earn public trust by focusing on the challenges facing ordinary citizens.

Chebunet said the governor’s remarks during his address highlighted issues that directly affect residents, particularly those from smaller villages and settlements that often feel overlooked in development discussions.

In a statement, the Trade CEC invoked the popular political expression, “All politics are local,” arguing that leadership is most meaningful when it addresses the everyday concerns of the people.

He singled out the mention of the Nine Farms area and Kapnyesore Simba Hills, saying the attention given to the localities was welcome news for residents, including those from his home area.

According to Chebunet, land ownership and the issuance of title deeds remain important concerns for many households because of their connection to dignity, security and economic empowerment.

He said addressing such issues demonstrates the importance of bringing leadership closer to communities and ensuring that development conversations reflect the realities of residents at the grassroots.

“Leadership is not about making noise; it is about touching lives,” Chebunet said, emphasising that political leadership should be measured by its responsiveness to the needs of the people.

He added that public attention and trust are built when leaders acknowledge the challenges affecting communities and work towards finding practical solutions.

“When you speak to the people's pain, you earn their attention. When you solve their problems, you earn their trust,” he said.

Chebunet’s remarks come amid continued public interest in land ownership, property rights and local development, issues that remain significant to households seeking secure tenure and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

The CEC maintained that effective leadership requires an understanding of the concerns affecting communities, including those in smaller villages that may not always feature prominently in public discussions.

He described the focus on local needs as an important aspect of people-centred leadership, arguing that residents want leaders who understand their circumstances and respond to their concerns.

His statement concluded with a call for leadership that places citizens and their needs at the centre of decision-making.

“The people. Their needs. Their solutions. That is where politics is won!” he said.

The remarks highlighted the importance of grassroots concerns in county leadership, particularly where land ownership and title deeds are linked to residents’ sense of security, dignity and economic opportunity.