Kwale governor warns absentee landlords to develop land or lose them

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani addressing the press outside Neptune Beach Hotel hall in Diani at a past event. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, September 2, 2024

Governor Achani also warned that her administration would take strict action against those found guilty of land grabbing.

Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has issued a stern warning to absentee landlords who own large tracts of land in the county.

Achani urged them to develop their land or risk having it repossessed by the county government.

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Speaking in the Kinondo area of Msambweni, the governor pointed out the numerous illegally owned land parcels along Kwale’s beaches, especially in Diani, and stated that her administration had already begun the process of reclaiming them to promote development.

“There are many lands that have been grabbed or are being held by individuals who are doing nothing with them. This has significantly hindered our efforts to implement development projects,” Achani stated.

She added, “We have begun returning some of these lands to the county, including Kisite, Mpunguti, and Chale, through collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).”

Governor Achani also warned that her administration would take strict action against those found guilty of land grabbing, emphasising that land availability is critical for the county's development plans.

She noted that the government would not hesitate to reclaim any land held for speculative purposes while residents of Kwale suffer from a lack of development.

“Our fight is ongoing; we have reclaimed two parcels along Diani Beach, which have now returned to the county government. I am the governor today, but tomorrow I will leave office, and the land should remain with the county government for any future administration to use,” Achani remarked.

She said, “We have fought court battles over title deeds and won, returning these lands to the rightful custodians – the people of Kwale.”

Kinondo Ward Representative Juma Maone echoed the governor's concerns, citing incidents of private development encroaching on public beaches. "There are wealthy individuals who have pushed their developments further into public land. Recently, I saw a beacon right on the sandy beaches, with someone claiming ownership and trying to start a business to sell the land,” Maone noted.

Maone expressed concerns about the long-term impact of such practices, warning that unrestricted encroachment could limit residents' access to the sea. "If this continues, there will come a time when our people will struggle to access the shoreline because of fences extending to the water's edge," he added.