President William Ruto concluded his eight-day development tour of Kenya’s Coast region on Saturday, emphasizing land reform and infrastructure investments amid growing scrutiny over the pace of land adjudication in Mombasa. The tour, which included visits to Mombasa, Lamu, and other coastal counties, culminated in the issuance of 20,189 title deeds in Lamu, though the county received significantly fewer documents compared to other regions, raising questions about regional equity in land rights. Mombasa, the economic hub of the Coast, received only 4,360 title deeds, far below allocations in Kwale (94,175), Kilifi (36,826), and Taita-Taveta (31,318), according to government data. This disparity has intensified debates over the slow resolution of land disputes affecting thousands of residents in Mombasa, where court cases and resistance from absentee landlords have stalled adjudication in areas like Zum Zum and Katani.
Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing historical land injustices, vowing to counter “the greed of absentee landlords” who have obstructed land reforms. Speaking at the Mama Ngina Waterfront Grounds in Mombasa, he announced the issuance of 5,000 title deeds to residents in Dongo Kundu, Waitiki, and other settlements, while warning that the government would not allow evictions from land occupied by squatters. “We will not give in to demands by absentee landlords,” he stated, adding, “You cannot blackmail us, we will not allow it.” The president emphasized that the initiative would benefit over 200,000 households across the Coast, though critics argue the slow pace of adjudication in Mombasa undermines these goals.
The tour also highlighted the government’s push for the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemical Special Economic Zone in Lamu, a project that has drawn both support and opposition. Ruto announced an additional Sh7.5 billion allocation to construct 3,000 housing units for refinery workers, with Lamu residents to receive priority in employment opportunities. “Those who despised Lamu are shocked. It’s a small county but has turned out to be the epicentre of development of this country going forward,” he said. The president accused opponents of the refinery of “frustrating development projects and investors,” comparing their resistance to past opposition to initiatives like the Social Health Authority and affordable housing programs.
Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho described the refinery as a “potential turning point” for the Coast, citing decades of marginalization. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy pledged that only “genuine, indigenous landowners” would receive compensation for land acquired for the project, while Senate Speaker Amason Kingi urged residents to support the initiative for its economic benefits. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya highlighted the project’s broader vision, including a petrochemical special economic zone to diversify the regional economy. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome noted that the 20,189 title deeds issued in Lamu would formalize land ownership for thousands of residents, including specific settlements like Vipingoni, Simambaye, and Ashuwei.
Despite these developments, Mombasa residents continue to face delays in resolving land disputes, with over 4,000 title deeds issued in the county—far below the 94,175 allocated to Kwale. The backlog has been attributed to protracted court cases and lack of cooperation from absentee landlords, who control large tracts of land in the region. Ruto’s administration has faced criticism for its inability to accelerate adjudication, with some arguing that the focus on high-profile projects like the Dangote refinery risks diverting attention from urgent land reform needs.
The president’s tour underscored the government’s dual agenda: addressing historical land grievances while positioning the Coast as a hub for industrial growth. However, the uneven distribution of title deeds and lingering disputes in Mombasa highlight the challenges of balancing development with equity. As the government moves forward with the refinery and land reforms, stakeholders remain divided over the long-term impact on local communities and regional development.
The Coast region’s land and infrastructure challenges reflect broader tensions between economic modernization and historical inequities. While Ruto’s administration frames its efforts as a step toward justice and progress, the slow pace of adjudication and regional disparities suggest that the path to resolution remains complex and contentious.