Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has urged the Kwale International Sugar Company Ltd (KISCOL) to allow farmers from Ramisi to utilize its idle land for farming.
Her appeal follows the company’s decision to halt sugar milling operations in the area, a move that has left vast tracts of government -owned land lying idle for a long period.
Speaking during the launch of 4 tons of rice seeds in Bodo, Msambweni Sub-County, Governor Achani called on the company to grant local farmers access to the land so that they can continue cultivating rice and sustain their livelihoods.
“We are asking KISCOL to open up the idle sections of its land to our farmers. These are hardworking people who depend on agriculture, and giving them access will help improve food security and household incomes in this region,” said Achani.
At the same time, the Governor urged residents to maintain peace and refrain from constructing permanent structures on the land once they are allowed to farm.
“As you take up this opportunity, I urge you to coexist peacefully and strictly use the land for farming purposes only. Avoid putting up structures that may lead to disputes in the future,” she added.
Achani’s remarks come amid growing concerns from Bodo residents, who have complained that the available land is insufficient to support their farming activities.
The governor was accompanied by CECM for Social Services Francisca Kilonzo, Michael Mutua (Tourism), Chief Officer for Agriculture Joseph Jabu, Mebakari Mwatabu (Public Service), Acting Diani Municipality Manager Hassan Mwayugwe, directors, and other county officials.
