Kwale County to Resurvey 1,300 Acres to Secure Residents’ Land Rights

Kwale County government has initiated a fresh survey and subdivision of approximately 1,300 acres covering the Kichaka Mkwaju Gunyu 5041 and Nikaphu 5056 settlement schemes. The move aims to resolve persistent land ownership uncertainties affecting local residents.

The directive, issued by Governor Fatuma Achani, instructs officials from both national and county levels to collaborate closely with residents during the process. This engagement is intended to ensure transparent identification and allocation of land parcels based on current occupancy, addressing competing claims and boundary issues.

Governor Achani emphasized the county's commitment to preventing the transfer of land owned by local residents to wealthy outsiders, urging communities to safeguard their ancestral land.

Support from Local Leaders

Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo expressed support for the survey, highlighting the importance of resolving land disputes to provide residents with security over their homes and farms. The County Assembly Land Committee, led by Chairman Juma Maone, pledged to oversee the exercise to avoid past difficulties experienced during subdivision efforts.

Land Recovery Efforts

In parallel, the county government has reclaimed several parcels considered to have been unlawfully taken, including 31 acres on Chale Island in Msambweni, land on Kisite Mpunguti Island in Lunga Lunga, and a 13-acre plot in Diani Beach.

Community representatives like Kichaka Mkwaju Gunyu 5041 chairman Kombo Kirua welcomed the survey, which is expected to reconcile residents' occupation with existing documentation before formal land allocation.

The success of this initiative will be measured by its ability to provide residents with clear and secure land titles, ending years of uncertainty in the affected settlement schemes.