The County Government of Kwale, the National Land Commission (NLC) and the national government have resolved to form a tripartite committee to tackle land ownership disputes in Diani settlement scheme and other parts of Matuga, Msambweni and Lungalunga Sub-counties.
The decision was arrived at following a heated meeting between affected residents, county government representatives, NLC and the national government officials at the Kenya School of Government in Matuga.
During the public hearing and investigation session over land ownership troubles in Kwale County, it emerged that multiple ownership exists in the Diani settlement scheme while other people grabbed public land such as sacred forests (kayas) and land belonging to public schools.
Led by Kwale County's Lands and Environment CeC Saumu Beja Mahaja, NLC Vice chairperson Abigael Mbagaya and Commissioners Dr Rose Musyoka, Emma Njogu, Dr Clement Lenchuru, Dr Samuel Tororei and Abdukadir Khalif, the public hearing is an initiative of Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya who ordered the investigations and enquiry following numerous complaints from residents.
Governor Mvurya, in collaboration with the national government and NLC directed that Diani settlement scheme, Mwavumbo group ranch which has controversial leases, Taru ranch, Nyari Estate be investigated to find out the ownership status and historical injustices.
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The meeting resolved that that the tripartite committee will move on the ground in January next year (2019) to make fresh verification on the status of the ownership of the said lands.
‘’The people themselves have to say how they want the land owned. These forums are an opportunity for them to meet NLC commissioners, give their views and enable investigations on how people acquired the said land,’’ said the governor when he launched the programme last week.