Mombasa residents urged to resolve decades-old land disputes through dialogue
Lands CECM, Mohamed Hussein appealed to property owners and affected families to pursue alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as a more effective path to justice.
Mombasa County officials are calling on residents to seek dialogue and legal compliance in resolving long-standing land disputes that continue to fuel tensions in the region.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Mohamed Hussein, said the land question, a deeply entrenched problem dating back several decades, requires collaborative approaches rather than political rhetoric or drawn-out court battles.
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Speaking during a public engagement on land reforms, Mohamed appealed to property owners and affected families to pursue alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as a more effective path to justice.
“Land conflicts cannot be solved through confrontation or politics. We must sit together as stakeholders and find solutions through dialogue,” he said.
Mohamed stressed that Kenya operates under the rule of law and that his office is committed to ensuring that all land matters are handled with fairness and impartiality.
“This country is governed by the law, and we must allow it to guide how we deal with land issues,” he added.
The county government, he revealed, has intensified efforts to regularise land ownership and eliminate the squatter crisis that has plagued Mombasa for years.
In recent months, title deeds have been issued to residents in Miritini (Jomvu) and Chaani (Changamwe), with similar exercises planned for other parts of the county.
Mohamed also cautioned residents against being misled by politicians who exploit land grievances for electoral gain, saying such leaders rarely offer tangible solutions. “Let us not be deceived by those who politicise this matter for their own benefit,” he warned.
As part of broader land reforms, he mentioned the county has established the Ardhi Fund, a programme financed by the World Bank to support titling processes and streamline land administration.
According to the CECM, the initiative marks a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and providing security of tenure for thousands of families.
“The World Bank may be funding the programme, but implementation rests with us. Our priority is to ensure that residents finally get the justice they deserve,” he said.
Despite these efforts, Mohamed acknowledged that resolving the land question remains a complex task rooted in decades of disputes, displacement, and unresolved claims.
He maintained, however, that sustained dialogue and adherence to legal procedures offer the best chance for lasting solutions.
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