Government to buy land from absentee landlords to resolve squatter issues in coast

President William Ruto has announced that the government will purchase land from absentee landlords and re-settle squatters along the Coast.

He revealed that he has tasked Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, alongside Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Salim Mvurya (Sports), with identifying and vetting absentee landlords for compensation.

Speaking during the funeral service of Kingi's father, Kingi Mwaruwa Mkweha, at Kamale in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, President Ruto said: "We have made progress, and we now have money to pay off these absentee landlords."

He noted that this is the first step in addressing the region's historical land issues, leaving thousands without ownership documents.

"It will not be completed in one or two years, but we will deliver on our promise to largely sort out the squatter problem at the Coast," the President explained.

Further, President Ruto assured squatters in Kilifi County that the government is working to resolve ownership disputes over African Development Corporation (ADC) land in Magarini, and promised that they would receive title deeds later this year.

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Ruto also reiterated his commitment to equitable development across the country. "I am committed and unapologetic in making sure that there is equity in the Republic of Kenya," he emphasized.

In addition, President Ruto said all Kenyans will undergo the same vetting for national identification documents, ending a decades-long practice of discrimination against people living along the country’s borders, including Kilifi.

On electricity connectivity, the President announced that Kilifi County would receive KSh2 billion from the KSh10 billion initiative he launched earlier to expand power access in 14 marginalized counties. He also said the Rabai-Bomani-Kilifi transmission line, which he launched last year, would be completed by June 2025, while the KSh9 billion Kilifi-Weru-Malindi transmission line is progressing well.

These power lines he says will ensure reliable energy supply to the county, benefiting industries, businesses, and job creation.

On roads, President Ruto said the KSh2.1 billion Baricho bridge, which links Malindi and Magarini, is 98% complete and will be commissioned soon. 

"We should all be treated equally. I am shocked that there are people who are angry at this move," he said.

Deputy President Kindiki called on Kenyans to support each other in seeking high-profile international positions, citing the example of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position. "The success of one Kenyan is the success of the entire country," he said.

Mudavadi highlighted that the government is constitutionally required to inform citizens of its programs and progress.

"There are some faith leaders who take the pulpit and say the government should not broadcast what it is doing. That is unconstitutional," he said.

The President is set to embark on a week-long tour of development projects in the Coast counties of Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Taita-Taveta next week.