By Caroline Katana
A dispute over the distribution of mineral royalty funds has stirred tension in Kwale County, with Governor Fatuma Achani responding to growing claims that the money is being unfairly allocated.
The row centres on the county’s 20 percent share of royalties from minerals mined by Base Titanium.
Kwale was expected to receive between KSh 1.8 billion and KSh 1.9 billion from the National Treasury. However, only KSh 1.16 billion has been released so far, leaving about KSh 800 million still pending.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at Kinango Boys High School, Achani dismissed the claims and clarified that the funds are meant for development across the entire county—not a single region.
“This money is for all the people of Kwale. It is not allocated to one area. We understand the needs and challenges facing our residents,” she said.
The governor explained that each constituency has been allocated funds based on development priorities, with major investments going into road infrastructure.
Among the projects outlined are:
- KSh 140 million for the Ndavaya–Deri–Mafumoni road
- KSh 140 million for the Bang’a–Makamini road linking to Samburu
- KSh 140 million for the Mtaa–Kibandaongo road
She noted that areas such as Kinango received significant allocations due to poor road networks and long-standing development gaps.
Achani expressed concern over what she described as deliberate misinformation being spread against her leadership.
“There are individuals going even into mosques claiming that I have taken royalty funds to Kinango. That is not true; the funds must benefit all locals in this county,” she said.
She added that the criticism is being driven by three individuals seeking the Kwale gubernatorial seat, dismissing the narrative as politically motivated rather than fact-based.
“This is politics. These are people positioning themselves for leadership, not speaking for the people,” she said.
Under the Mining Act 2016, revenue from mining is shared as follows:
- 70% to the national government
- 20% to county governments
- 10% to local communities affected by mining
Achani reaffirmed that affected communities will receive their rightful 10 percent share in line with the law.
“The full 20 percent has not yet been released. We are still expecting about KSh 800 million, which will fund more development projects across the county, as affected communities also expect their share,” she said.
The governor urged residents not to be swayed by political narratives and instead support ongoing development efforts.
“Do not be misled by political emotions. Support the leadership in place so development can continue reaching all parts of Kwale,” she urged.
Her remarks come after the Department of Finance and Economic Planning conducted public participation for the 2025/2026 supplementary budget between March 30 and April 4, in line with the Public Finance Management Act 2012.
With hundreds of millions still pending from the National Treasury, the debate over how the funds are shared is likely to continue shaping both development and politics in Kwale.
For now, the county government maintains that the priority remains to be equitable development for all.
