By Caroline Katana
Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Ali Hassan Joho has called on leaders from the Coast region to unite and work closely with the national government in finding a lasting solution to the long-standing land crisis that has affected thousands of residents for decades.
Joho’s remarks come in the wake of President William Ruto’s recent development tour of the Coast region, during which the Head of State issued more than 33,000 title deeds to residents in a bid to address historical land injustices and insecurity over land ownership.
During the tour, President Ruto announced that the government had issued approximately 33,025 title deeds to residents in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River and Taita Taveta counties. He further pledged that an additional 200,000 title deeds would be processed within 90 days as part of efforts to address the region’s long-standing squatter problem.
Speaking after Eid ul-Adha prayers at the Umukulthum Mosque grounds in Mombasa, Joho said the President’s intervention had renewed hope among families living as squatters and those affected by disputes involving absentee landlords.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the land question remains one of the most sensitive and complex challenges facing the Coast region, adding that collaboration among leaders, communities and the government was essential in achieving a lasting solution.
He urged leaders across the region to set aside political differences and support ongoing government initiatives aimed at resolving historical land disputes, regularizing land ownership and protecting residents from exploitation.
Joho also emphasized the need to safeguard national cohesion and warned against divisive politics that could threaten peace and stability in the country.
“We must safeguard unity and avoid divisions that may interfere with peace and national stability,” said Joho.
The Eid prayers attracted political, religious and community leaders, some of whom also challenged the government to intensify efforts to resolve historical land injustices that continue to affect livelihoods and hinder development in the Coast region.
As Muslims marked Eid ul-Adha celebrations, members of the community were encouraged to support vulnerable families and uphold the spirit of sharing and sacrifice associated with the religious occasion.
Meanwhile, residents who purchased livestock for sacrifice reported a sharp rise in the prices of goats and sheep this year, attributing the increase to high transportation costs linked to rising fuel prices.
Eid ul-Adha is among the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is observed through prayers, acts of charity and the sacrifice of livestock by Muslims worldwide.
