2,300 Coast land leases have expired

There are 2,370 expired land leases in three counties at the Coast, National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri has said.

According to a list submitted to the commission, Mombasa has the largest number with 1,300 while Kilifi and Kwale have 800 and 270 respectively.

Dr Swazuri said the figures were not conclusive.

Speaking at Whitesands Beach Hotel, Dr Swazuri said earlier on, Mombasa had submitted a list of 600 expired leases.

“I know there are very many expired leases in the Coast region. Lamu County has many more because there has not been proper land adjudication there with most of the parcels being government land,” he said.

Most of the 99-year leases expired in 2013.

The NLC boss said some of the holders had applied for renewal while others had not.

He said the new law where ownership reverts to county governments could complicate renewing of leases.

“In the new land laws, ownership is under the county governments. Renewing expired leases will greatly depend on the decision of the devolved governments,” Dr Swazuri said.

Land, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said the expiry of leases had resulted in confusion since many holders did not know how to apply for renewal.

“There has been confusion over this matter. A sensitisation campaign among holders is necessary to give them a clear way of how the system works,” Mrs Ngilu said, adding that those who held the land would be given first priority.

In an earlier interview, Kwale governor Salim Mvurya said no expired lease would be renewed in the county.

“In fact, plans for the three parcels in Lunga Lunga and Matuga Constituencies to be given to squatters are complete. We have declared them squatter settlement schemes,” Mr Mvurya said.

Dr Swazuri indicated that holders who had put the land to good use like dairy farming and cultivating horticultural crops would be considered for renewal.