This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Published on July 13, 2020, a technical committee has been formed to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between Taita-Taveta and Kwale counties at Mackinnon Road townships.
The committee was formed after a meeting between Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and his Taita-Taveta counterpart Granton Samboja aimed at diffusing tension at the disputed town.
The technical team comprises surveyors from the two counties and will be co-chaired by the Taita-Taveta Lands CEC Mwandawiro Mghanga and his Kwale counterpart Saumu Beja.
Other members of the committee are sub-county administrators.
According to Governor Mvurya, the governors will only intervene where the situation calls for their attention, and the whole process will involve public participation.
“I consulted my colleague Governor Samboja and we realised we have a problem which cannot be solved with chest-thumping. We then agreed on this alternative conflict resolution formula, which is to let technical people lead it while we give the political backing,” said Mvurya.
Samboja expressed optimism that the committee will come up with an amicable solution to the boundary dispute, stating, “What do we gain by always being in conflict over the boundary? Are we not being stupid? This time round, we shall not rest until we see white smoke come out of this process,” he said.
The committee has 30 days to compile a comprehensive report for action by the governors.
