By Caroline Katana
More than six decades after Kenya gained independence, residents of at least 16 disputed farms stretching from Ng’ombeni to Kinondo in Kwale County say they remain squatters on land they consider their ancestral inheritance.
The concerns were raised during a public gathering in Denyenye, where residents accused successive governments of failing to resolve historical land injustices that they say have left generations of families landless and trapped in poverty.
“Since 1963, we have remained squatters in our own country. Out of the 16 disputed farms between Ng’ombeni and Kinondo, not a single one has been returned to the community,” said Juma Abdallah Amri, chairman of a local land rights movement.
Amri said thousands of families continue to live without secure land ownership despite years of lobbying government agencies and elected leaders. He further alleged that some residents have been forcibly evicted from land they depend on for farming and their livelihoods.
The historical nature of the dispute was echoed by other community members, who argued that the land problem predates independence and has persisted through successive administrations.
“Our elders lost their land long ago, and today our youth remain landless across the Coast region,” said Khamisi Athman Bwika from Tiwi.
Bwika urged President William Ruto to visit affected areas, including Ng’ombeni, Kinondo, Diani, Tiwi and Denyenye, arguing that local communities have been left without meaningful representation despite years of appeals for government intervention.
Residents also highlighted what they described as the human cost of the unresolved land disputes, with some families allegedly displaced from land they have occupied for decades.
“More than 700 families have been affected. Some people have been displaced repeatedly, while children have been forced to leave school as families search for alternative places to live,” said Hassan Yusuf Sadi from Tiwi.
Sadi also questioned the allocation of land that he said remains the subject of an ongoing court case dating back to 2014, arguing that long-term occupants should be considered in any future settlement process.
Concerns were also raised over proposed investment projects on some of the disputed land, with residents insisting that local communities must be fully consulted before decisions are made.
“We do not want our concerns ignored while decisions about our land are made elsewhere. The community must be involved in discussions affecting its future,” said Juma Mwinyihamisi Chivurugo from Denyenye.
Denyenye resident Juma Mwinyihamisi Chivurugo. Photo by Caroline Katana
Chivurugo questioned plans for a proposed cement manufacturing project on land previously leased to Bamburi and called for an independent inquiry into concerns raised by residents.
Women attending the gathering said the land question continues to have serious consequences for families that depend on agriculture for survival.
“Land is the foundation of our lives, yet many women still do not have secure ownership documents despite living and working on this land for years,” said Mwanaisha Tengeza, who spoke on behalf of women from Ng’ombeni Ward.
Tengeza appealed to President Ruto to engage directly with residents, arguing that ordinary citizens should be given an opportunity to explain their concerns firsthand.
Similar sentiments were expressed by community spokesperson Mfaume Hassan, who accused some investors of conducting inadequate public participation exercises.
“If development is coming to our area, the people who live on the land should be consulted first. Communities must not be excluded from decisions that affect their livelihoods,” said Hassan.
The residents collectively appealed to President Ruto to visit the affected areas and facilitate dialogue among communities, investors, government agencies and elected leaders, saying a lasting solution can only be achieved through an inclusive and transparent process.
Community spokesperson Mfaume Hassan. Photo by Caroline Katana
