Inside Sh1.5bn land buyout plan to end squatters' plight at Coastal region

President William Ruto has pledged to resolve the long-standing issue of squatters in the coastal region before his term ends.

Speaking during the 61^st Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale County, the president announced that the government would allocate Sh1.5 billion to purchase land from absentee landlords and settle the region’s squatters.

For years, squatters in the Coast region have faced uncertainty, with calls for the government to address the issue of absentee landlords who own large tracts of land but have left them idle.

The president’s promise to purchase these lands, which will be redistributed to the landless, marks a significant shift in policy aimed at ending a problem that has plagued the region for decades.

“We will work with absentee landlords by buying their land and settling the squatters in our bid to end this long-standing issue,” President Ruto said during the event.

Squatters in the region have long struggled with insecurity over their livelihoods, as they live on land they do not legally own.

Historical land injustices, dating back to colonial times, have further worsened tensions, with different regimes making promises to resolve the matter, only for the issues to remain unresolved.

In his address, President Ruto also focused on the potential of the Blue Economy, which contributes approximately Sh 20 billion annually to Kenya’s economy.

He outlined ambitious plans to increase this contribution to Sh80 billion within five(5) years, through investments in infrastructure and job creation within the sector.

“We are keen to develop our Blue Economy, which plays a crucial role in job creation, export manufacturing, and overall economic growth,” Ruto said.

To support this vision, the government has set aside Sh2.7 billion for the construction of fish landing sites, cold storage facilities, and markets across the country, with Sh1.2 billion specifically earmarked for the Coast region.

The initiative is expected to boost the livelihoods of local fishermen and enhance the export of seafood.

The president revealed that Sh1.7 billion in grants would be provided to 612 cooperatives within the region, aimed at enhancing the capacity of the local fishing industry.

One of the key infrastructure projects to benefit the region is the Shimoni Fishing Port, which is currently 82 per cent complete.

Once operational, the port will be capable of handling 50,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, boosting the industry and creating numerous employment opportunities.

“The Shimoni Fishing Port is a vital part of our strategy to transform the fishing industry in Kenya,” said President Ruto.

In addition to the Shimoni port, the government is also investing in the construction of a national Mariculture Training Centre in Shimoni. The government has allocated Sh2.4 billion to support aquaculture and mariculture, with Sh1.4 billion dedicated specifically to the Coast region.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani lauded President Ruto for choosing Kwale as the host of the Mashujaa Day celebrations, which she said had brought immense benefits to the region.

“We are grateful to the president for supporting us in completing this stadium. The road networks in Kwale and Diani have also improved, and we now have a mini-state lodge. These developments will significantly boost our local economy,” Governor Achani said.

The ongoing improvements in Kwale are seen as part of the broader effort to enhance the infrastructure and development in the Coast region, as part of the government's inclusive agenda.

As the president’s term progresses, his administration faces pressure to fulfill these promises and bring lasting change to the region, but his bold pledges on land reforms and the Blue Economy offer hope to many in the Coast.