Residents, fishermen, and traders in Diani have regained access to a crucial public beach access road following a landmark court ruling. The 1.14-acre parcel of land, valued at Sh45 million, links the Ukunda-Diani Road to the Indian Ocean and had been unlawfully leased to a private company.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that the land, registered as L.R. No. Kwale/Diani Beach Block/1072, was leased for 99 years in 1994. However, the Environment and Land Court in Kwale declared the lease and certificate invalid and ordered the cancellation of the private ownership, restoring the land to public use.
Official Responses
- Governor Fatuma Achani described the recovery as a significant step in tackling illegal occupation of public land and resolving long-standing land disputes in Kwale County. She emphasized the county government's commitment to reclaiming unlawfully acquired public property.
- EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud affirmed the commission's ongoing efforts to identify and recover public assets acquired irregularly to ensure they benefit the community.
- Ali Mwatsetse, Chairman of Diani Beach Management Unit, welcomed the ruling, noting it would allow fishermen and beach operators to resume their activities without obstruction.
Context and Broader Efforts
This recovery follows several recent repossessions in Kwale County, including 31 acres on Chale Island, land on Kisite Mpunguti Island in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, and another 13-acre parcel in Diani valued at Sh200 million. These actions reflect a concerted push by local authorities and the EACC to address historical land injustices and restore public access to vital coastal areas.
