Kaya Elders Oppose Establishment of Industrial Park in Kayafungo Forest

By Reporter

Mijikenda Kaya elders have strongly opposed Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s proposal to establish an industrial park in Kayafungo Ward within Kaloleni Sub County.

They have threatened to take Mr. Mung’aro and the County Government of Kilifi to court if the governor does not rescind his decision to use part of the kaya forest in Kayafungo for the proposed industrial park.

Speaking to journalists in the Sabaki area of Malindi Sub County , the elders argued that the proposed site is a place reserved for culture and traditions, and that they are determined to protect it at all costs.

Mr Said Chitanda Matojo from Kaya Rabai voiced the community’s concerns, saying the 3,000 acres earmarked for the proposed industrial park are part of the Kaya Fungo Forest, which has for years been used as a cultural preservation site and for the performance of traditional rites.

“We have information that there are plans to build an industrial park within the kaya forest in Kayafungo. Kayas are protected heritage sites and we will not allow anybody to invade and use it for any other purpose,” he charged.

He said that those who want to establish an industrial park should do so in areas designated for that purpose and keep off kaya forests, adding that the Mijikenda elders would not allow the kayas to be interfered with.

Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA) Secretary General Joseph Karisa Mwarandu said the elders had already written to the governor to stop his plans and threatened to seek legal redress should the governor fail to provide an acceptable reply.

He said the land belongs to the community and that the county government is holding the land in trust. He warned that the investors could use the ownership documents to sell the land, similar to what happened in Vipingo.

“Vipingo was leased to investors during the colonial time. When the lease expired, the investors sold that land in Vipingo, and up to now, our people are suffering. Do they want to bring another Vipingo in Kayafungo? We will not allow this,” he said.

Stan Kiraga, the founding chairman of the Malindi District Cultural Association, stressed that land is not a commodity to be sold, and told the governor to consult the people before implementing the projects.

“Any elected leader should not use their position to do whatever they want without consulting those who elected them. If a leader has been given authority, they need to consult us on any issue, not to give orders of giving out our land,” Kiraga said.

Mr Nyanje Kazungu, a member of the Mijikenda community, said there was a need for the governor to rethink his decision and look at key provisions of the constitution, including public participation.

“We need to rethink our decisions and look at key provisions of the constitution, including public participation, which is envisaged under Article Ten of the constitution. Making unilateral decisions will be costly for everyone,” he said.