KWALE, Kenya- Residents, fishermen and beach traders in Diani have regained access to a public beach after the Environment and Land Court restored a 1.14-acre access road valued at approximately Sh45 million to public ownership, ending years of restricted access to the Indian Ocean shoreline.
The corridor, which links the Ukunda-Diani Road to Diani Beach, was officially handed back to the public following a court ruling that declared its allocation to a private company unlawful.
According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the property, registered as L.R. No. Kwale/Diani Beach Block/1072, had been allocated to a private company through a 99-year lease issued in 1994.
The Environment and Land Court in Kwale ruled that both the lease and the accompanying Certificate of Lease were invalid, ordering the cancellation of the land records and restoration of the property to public ownership.
Governor Achani Welcomes Land Recovery
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani described the judgment as a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to reclaim illegally acquired public land and address longstanding land injustices.
She said the county government would continue working with relevant agencies to recover public assets that had been unlawfully occupied.
Achani warned that individuals and entities found to have acquired public land illegally would face similar legal action as authorities intensify efforts to protect public resources.
She also commended the EACC for partnering with the county government to recover public land, saying many communities had been denied access to public facilities because of historical land injustices.
Fishermen and Traders to Benefit
Diani Beach Management Unit Chairman Ali Mwatsetse welcomed the court’s decision, saying it would restore unrestricted access to the shoreline for fishermen, beach traders and other users.
He noted that the reopening of the access road would enable local communities to resume their economic activities without barriers.
The restored corridor is expected to improve access for residents and visitors while supporting tourism and the livelihoods of those who depend on the beach for their income.
EACC Pledges More Public Land Recoveries
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ahmed Mohamud said the commission remains committed to recovering other public properties that were irregularly acquired.
He said the commission’s objective is to ensure that all unlawfully acquired public assets are returned for the benefit of citizens.
The recovery forms part of a broader campaign by authorities to reclaim public land across Kwale County.
In recent months, the EACC has also recovered 31 acres on Chale Island, public land on Kisite Mpunguti Island in Lunga Lunga Sub-County, and a separate 13-acre parcel in Diani valued at Sh200 million.
