A segment of the mining-affected community in Kwale County is urging the national government to consider returning their land following the closure of Base Titanium’s operations. The mineral company is expected to halt its activities by the end of December due to mineral depletion.
Residents affected by the mining operations argue that some of those relocated to accommodate the company were moved to swampy and infertile lands, leading to significant hardships and ongoing poverty. Before their relocation, the locals were compensated by the government. Approximately 6,000 acres of land were leased to Base Titanium.
Led by Swaleh Abdallah, the locals expressed their dire living conditions and emphasized the fairness of returning to their original ancestral lands, where they previously thrived. Abdallah stated that regaining their ancestral lands would allow them to recover their livelihoods and alleviate their current struggles.
“Some of us were relocated to Bwiti, where the land is unsuitable, while others were given areas that were already occupied. It would be appropriate for us to be returned to our original lands,” he said.
Abdallah further added that Base Titanium has a responsibility to assist in ensuring that the affected communities can return to their previous lands. He asserted that the company cannot distance itself from this issue, as the relocations were due to its operations.
He urged the government to initiate land adjudication processes and issue title deeds to the affected communities after the mine’s closure, noting that locals are eager to return to farming, as the land is well-suited for agricultural activities. Tabitha Mbithe, a resident of Kibwaga, emphasized that the company must address all complaints raised before shutting down.
Mbithe also mentioned the need for the company to help construct an electric fence to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, stating that the area has become bushy and abandoned since the communities were relocated. She expressed a desire for everything to return to normal once the mining company has completed its operations.
Ann Ayiro from Barcelona-Mwaweche proposed that the mined land be transferred to the county government, which could then divide it among the affected communities. She highlighted that some people remain homeless after relocation and argued that returning the land would be a fairer solution. “Yes, they were compensated, but now that mining is over, it is only right that they be resettled,” she said.
Faith Alube, Executive Officer of the Kenya Land Alliance, emphasized that the government must provide guidance on post-mining land use as the Australian mining company prepares to cease operations. She pointed out that the community is uncertain about the post-mining land use (PMLU) process, with many residents wanting their land returned.
“The community has a right to be included in the discussion and have their voices heard, as they are the indigenous people,” she said.
During the Second Annual Jamvi La Madini, Simon Wall, Base Titanium’s External Affairs General Manager, admitted that the company initially made mistakes but has since worked to improve its relationship with the community.
However, he stressed that the company does not have the authority to decide on land use after its departure. Wall stated that the national government will determine the land’s future use once mining concludes. The company will only offer recommendations based on their surveys of agricultural trials and other relevant activities.
“The law is clear: after mining, we hand over the land to the national government, which will decide the next steps. Our role is to provide several suggestions based on our land trials,” Wall explained. He assured that Base Titanium is committed to addressing the issues faced by the mining-affected communities and ensuring they benefit from the mining activities.
As the company prepares to close, Wall said they are dedicated to rehabilitating and restoring the mined land and will extend their stay for several years after closure to ensure a thorough and sustainable rehabilitation process.
Dennis Mutungi, County Coordinator for the National Land Commission, confirmed that, according to the law, the land leased to Base Titanium Limited (BTL) will revert to the national government upon the company’s exit.
