Base Titanium land to be utilised for job creation, not resettlement - Joho

The national government has announced that the land previously used for Base Titanium’s mining operations in Kwale County will not be subdivided among people displaced by the project.

Instead, the government plans to transform the land into development projects aimed at providing employment opportunities for the local youth.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a familiarisation tour of the site by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho.

The statement comes after years of concerns from the local community regarding the future use of the land once Base Titanium’s mining activities conclude later this year.

While some residents had hoped to be resettled or compensated with portions of the land, CS Joho clarified that the government’s approach would focus on sustainable development and job creation rather than land subdivision.

"What will a 50 by 100 piece of land do for an individual?" CS Joho asked, addressing the local community. 

"But if we establish a fish farm or other such projects, we can create jobs for many people in the region," he added.

Mr Joho emphasized that the government is committed to finding long-term solutions to the area’s unemployment issues.

He said the focus should be on projects that will benefit the community as a whole, rather than on individual land ownership.

"We should focus on projects that will create employment opportunities for the many youth in this region.The land can be used for larger, more impactful projects rather than being divided into small parcels,"he added.

His sentiments were echoed by local leaders, including Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza, Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo, and Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito.

"We can turn this area into a research centre or a tourism site, among other income-generating ventures. We can make it a thriving place, similar to Vipingo Ridge, and create sustainable job opportunities for the youth," said MP Tandaza.

The discussion also touched on the need to focus on regional development, rather than allowing political interests to derail the government’s plans.

“I will listen to everybody who comes forward with suggestions,” CS Joho assured, responding to growing concerns about political influence in the process.

He however,  said he will not tolerate people politicizing the issue or pushing for positions in the post-mining land use committee for the sake of it.

"We need to focus on what’s best for our people," he said.

The government had previously set up a post-mining land use committee, which was later disbanded after local complaints about exclusion.

The CS vowed to ensure a more inclusive process this time around, but warned that only those with relevant expertise or interest would be considered for the new committee.

"Do not come to me saying so-and-so should be included in the committee if they have no business being there," he said.

Adding that they need people who are committed to making this project work for the community.

The issue of royalties from the mining activities was also discussed. 

CS Joho explained that the government is working on new policies to ensure a fairer distribution of the mining royalties.

Currently, the royalties are shared between the national government, the county government, and the local community in a ratio of 70:30:10, respectively.

Joho said the new policy will ensure that funds are directly allocated to the intended beneficiaries.

"We are working to ensure that the royalty payments reach the rightful recipients on time," he said.

Adding that it is important that the government and local community benefit equally from these resources.

On the issue of Chirimani where it is believed that there are high valued minerals, Mr Joho said that if minerals are found, they should be extracted for the benefit of the government and the local people.

He argued against leaving resources untapped when they could bring significant benefits to the region.

"If there are minerals underground, we must extract them so that everyone can benefit, especially the local communities," he said.

The former Mombasa Governor reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with local MPs and community leaders to ensure the smooth and timely distribution of both royalties and development projects that will transform the region’s economy and improve the livelihoods of its residents.