Forest rangers arrive in Mau forest in readiness to relocate settlers in Mau Forest Complex. (Photo Courtesy George Sayagie)

Nairobi — Three Mau settlers surrendered their title deeds at the Nakuru lands office on Friday.

They said they had done so on their own volition in support of efforts to reverse the damage caused to the water tower by illegal excision of the land.

Mr Kanyike Ole Kereto and his brother Morompi Ole Kereto surrendered two separate title deeds for a total of 10 acres of land in the Likia area.

A total of four title deeds have been surrendered by private land owners in the last four days.

Settlers have been given a three- months grace period to hand in their title deeds.

"I got my title deed many years ago. I was given by the previous government but it has been cancelled because of the destruction in the Mau," said Mr Kanyike Ole Kereto.

He said they had seen for themselves the effect of the destruction of the Mau, the country's biggest water tower. Their animals had died because of lack of water and pasture.

"We did not destroy the forest but some other people did and our animals have died in large numbers as a result," he added.

Another villager, Mr Njule Ole Kibelekenya, surrendered his 5acre land to the government.

The documents were received by Nakuru district land registrar Daniel Nyatika.