President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to absentee landowners at the Coast, cautioning them against using their property claims to blackmail the government. Speaking at Mama Ngina in Mombasa, Ruto emphasized that the government is committed to settling squatters but will not be intimidated by landowners seeking to evict them. He stressed that the government will compensate landowners whose properties are occupied by squatters but will not allow evictions.
Ruto revealed that the government is ready to negotiate with landowners but will prioritize the interests of squatters who have lived on the land for years. He gave notice to landowners refusing to accept the government's compensation plan, stating that no Kenyan will be evicted from the land they have occupied and called home. The president also announced that the government will take action against landowners who reject its compensation offer and instead seek to evict squatters.
The president also highlighted the government's plans to expand the Port of Mombasa using funds raised through the National Infrastructure Fund. He emphasized that coastal residents will be prioritized in employment opportunities, as the region has been overlooked by previous administrations. Ruto argued that the port, which he described as the region's economic lifeline, had suffered after the construction of the Naivasha dry port under the Jubilee administration.
Ruto's administration has invested Sh40 billion in the blue economy, including the acquisition of deep-sea fishing boats that have increased the fleet from one in 2022 to 22. The president also announced that 300,000 title deeds will be issued by the end of his eight-day tour of the Coast on Monday. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting the growth of the blue economy.
The president also revealed that the Shimoni Fish Port will be developed as a dedicated fishing facility with processing and value-addition infrastructure. He announced that the contractor who will operate the port will be announced on Monday, creating over 2,500 jobs for young people from the region. The government has also reached an agreement with the African Export-Import Bank for the construction of a special economic zone at Dongo Kundu.
Ruto's tour of the Coast aims to address the region's development needs and promote economic growth. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting the region's development and ensuring that its residents benefit from the region's resources. The president's initiatives aim to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The government's efforts to settle squatters and develop the region's infrastructure are part of its broader strategy to promote economic growth and reduce poverty. Ruto's administration is working to address the region's historical injustices and promote sustainable development. The president's commitment to supporting the region's development has been welcomed by residents and stakeholders.
Key points
- The government will compensate landowners whose properties are occupied by squatters but will not allow evictions.
- The government has invested Sh40 billion in the blue economy, including the acquisition of deep-sea fishing boats.
- The president has announced plans to create over 2,500 jobs for young people from the region through the development of the Shimoni Fish Port.
