Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir calls for unity to solve land crisis
The county is home to some of the highest numbers of land cases filed in Kenyan courts, many stemming from colonial-era allocations and subsequent transfers that left locals marginalised.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has called on local leaders to put aside their political differences and work together to resolve the long-standing land problems facing the coastal city.
The governor defended himself against criticism from a section of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who had accused him of failing to address land issues, saying the challenge is historic and cannot be solved single-handedly.
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“It is true that land is a serious problem. Recently, I met the Chief Justice and told her that across Kenya, there is no deeper wound than the land crisis in Mombasa. Most of the land cases pending in courts across the country are from Mombasa, and these problems began long before I became governor,” he said.
The Governor stressed that only collective action can bring lasting solutions.
“There is no benefit greater than leaders working together. I have directed the Department of Lands to write to the County Assembly Lands Committee, so that we can listen to the views of MCAs as well. We must sit down with our Woman Representative, Zamzam, our Senator Mohamed Faki, our MPs, and former Governor Hassan Joho. That is my advice to all of you,” he added.
He emphasised that unity among leaders is crucial, warning against divisions.
“Just because you do not get along with someone does not mean I should also avoid working with them. Solving this problem will require the voices of MPs, the Woman Representative, the Senator, the Assembly, and support from the national government through Hassan Joho. If we start fighting amongst ourselves, how do we prosper at the misery of others?” he asked.
The Governor urged leaders to put the interests of residents first, rather than engaging in personal or political battles.
“Even if you like me or do not like me, that is fine. What matters most is that we love the people. I have asked the Assembly that every MCA should bring their list of issues so we can hold a joint meeting with all MPs, the Senator, the Woman Representative, and the Assembly, focusing only on land issues. Together, we must agree on a common direction for Mombasa to resolve the land crisis,” he said.
Land disputes have remained one of the most pressing issues in Mombasa for decades, with thousands of residents caught up in ownership wrangles and historical injustices.
The county is home to some of the highest numbers of land cases filed in Kenyan courts, many stemming from colonial-era allocations and subsequent transfers that left locals marginalised. Successive administrations have struggled to find lasting solutions, with squatters, absentee landlords, and contested titles continuing to spark tensions across the coastal city.
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