This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
On July 11, 2020, a crucial meeting took place at Kwale County headquarters between Governors Salim Mvurya (Kwale) and Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) to discuss the long-standing border dispute between the two counties.
The meeting was a result of recent efforts by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to peacefully resolve the border dispute.
The dispute has been simmering between the two counties over the Kuranze mining zone, which is home to several gemstone mines, and the Macknon Road Township along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
Both sides have often traded accusations of trespassing over the disputed areas, causing tension for a long time.
However, the two governors have now agreed to form a joint committee comprising of surveyors from both counties to resolve the dispute.
The committee, co-chaired by Kwale County Lands Executive Saumu Beja and Taita Taveta's Mwandawiro Mghanga, will sit for a period of 30 days to find an amicable solution.
According to Governor Mvurya, the joint committee will make sure an amicable solution is reached within the law, leading to a permanent solution over the long border dispute.
He also appealed to leaders in the two counties to refrain from preaching divisive and tribal politics, but instead preach unity to Kenyans.
Samboja expressed his excitement about the meeting and the commitment of the leadership of Kwale and Taita Taveta to peacefully resolving the border dispute.
