House Environment Committee to Engage Kostol Properties and Lamu Environment Foundation Over Land Compensation and Mining Licensing -

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The National Assembly’s Environment, Forestry, and Mining Committee has resolved to engage with Kostol Properties and the Lamu Environment Foundation regarding ongoing disputes over land compensation and mining licensing in Kilifi and Lamu Counties.

Kostol Properties, claiming to be the official agents and trustees of a property owned by the Kambe community in Kilifi County, recently addressed a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. Signed by the firm’s director, Mr. Samson Matano, the letter, dated 28th May 2024, requested the revocation of a mining license issued to a cement plant operating in Kaloleni, Kilifi County. Additionally, Kostol Properties urged the Ministry to degazette the Community Development Committee associated with the license, alleging that the cement company had unprocedurally and illegally possessed the property. The community is reportedly seeking proper compensation for the land, which they claim has been encroached upon by various entities since the 1990s.

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In light of these allegations, the House Committee has decided to invite Kostol Properties to provide further insights into their claims. The Committee also resolved to engage the Lamu Environment Foundation, a civil society group active in environmental conservation projects across Lamu County, to address concerns raised regarding the expansion of operations by Base Titanium, a mining company, in Lamu County.

The Lamu Environment Foundation, which asserts it represents the local community, has called for the Committee’s intervention to halt the issuance of prospecting licenses sought by Base Titanium for operations at the border of Lamu and Tana River Counties. The Foundation has raised several concerns, including the potential disruption of nationally important wildlife migratory routes, displacement of communities, and exposure to toxins that could affect human health, soil, and agriculture. They also highlighted the area’s significance as a wetland habitat for birds and a key biodiversity area, home to historical relics, including the administration office of the District Commissioner of the East Africa Protectorate, dating back to 1897.

During the Committee’s session, led by interim Chair Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), members resolved to engage the management of the concerned entities and the local communities in separate sittings to be scheduled soon.

Committee Vice Chairperson Hon. Charles Kamuren emphasized the importance of legal compliance for all investors operating in the country. “No investor will be allowed to work in the country outside the law. Every investor, be it local or foreign, must respect the rights of the citizens of Kenya. We want the Licensing Board to support us by being very keen on this,” he stated in his closing remarks.

The Committee’s engagement with these stakeholders aims to address the concerns raised and ensure that all activities align with the legal framework while protecting the rights and interests of local communities.