By Miraj Guo, June 23, 2026
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has warned residents against selling community land to private developers without following the law, saying the practice threatens ongoing efforts to resolve historical land disputes and address the long-standing squatter problem affecting thousands of families across the county.
Speaking during the launch of the construction of a community hall at Mmbwaleni in Ndavaya Ward, Kinango Sub-County, Achani expressed concern that some residents in Kinango and Lungalunga were engaging in irregular land transactions that undermine government efforts to secure ownership rights for local communities.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is that some residents are selling community land to private developers, yet we are working hard to secure land ownership rights for our people. Such actions only worsen the squatter problem in our county,” said Achani.
The governor said her administration has made land recovery and protection one of its key priorities, noting that the county government has been working closely with national government institutions to reclaim public land that had been illegally acquired or lost over the years.
According to Achani, Kwale County has successfully recovered more than 100,000 acres of land. The reclaimed parcels include 69,000 acres belonging to the Lungalunga Ranch and another 32,000 acres in Kuranze, Kinango Sub-County.
“We have successfully recovered more than 100,000 acres of public land, including 69,000 acres in Lungalunga and 32,000 acres in Kuranze. This land belongs to the people of Kwale and must be protected for future generations,” she said.
She further disclosed that the county government had also regained ownership of Chale Island and sections of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine area. In addition, the county recovered 18 acres belonging to the historic Kongo Mosque and reclaimed 13 acres of public beach land in Diani, estimated to be worth about Sh200 million.
Achani said the recovered parcels form part of broader efforts aimed at addressing historical land injustices and providing security of tenure to residents who have lived as squatters for decades.
She noted that secure land ownership is essential for economic empowerment, investment and sustainable development, adding that many residents have been unable to fully utilize their land because of unresolved ownership disputes.
The governor commended the National Land Commission (NLC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other government agencies for supporting the county’s campaign against illegal land acquisitions and land grabbing.
“We will continue working closely with the National Land Commission, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and other government agencies to reclaim grabbed public land and ensure residents receive their rightful ownership documents,” she said.
Achani emphasized that her administration would not tolerate illegal dealings involving community land and warned individuals involved in fraudulent transactions that they would face investigations and legal action.
She reiterated that community land should remain protected for the benefit of present and future generations and urged residents to follow legal procedures whenever dealing with land matters.
The governor said her administration remains committed to ensuring that residents who have lacked title deeds and formal ownership documents for years eventually obtain secure land rights.
Kwale County has historically faced complex land ownership disputes, with thousands of residents living as squatters despite occupying land for generations. County officials say ongoing settlement programmes and land recovery initiatives are expected to reduce the number of squatters while promoting social and economic development in the region.
As efforts to resolve historical injustices continue, Achani appealed to residents to safeguard community land and cooperate with authorities to ensure that future generations inherit resources meant for their collective benefit.
