Tana River residents not consulted on Qatar land lease

The Government’s decision to lease land in the Tana River Delta to Qatar is another manifestation of the State’s inconsistency relating to the development and future of the delta and its residents.

It is a reflection of bad governance and a Government that is insensitive and unresponsive to the democratic rights and civil liberty of the indigenous coastal communities, who have occupied and used land in the delta since time immemorial.

How was the decision to award the land reached? Was due process followed? Is it a coincidence that major decisions on the Tana Delta are announced in December through the media? The proposed sugar cane project was also announced in December 2003.

Why is it that the value of all the proposed projects revolve around the Sh2.4 billion mark? How come the Government is unwilling to provide appropriate information to the public, and more importantly, to the local communities?

Held accountable

Which ministry or State organisation should be held accountable and responsible for the decision to lease out the land?

The Tana River Delta is rich in resources. It has many uses, users and interested parties. Decisions made concerning the region must take cognizance of this multiple use and sustainable yields of the delta.

Before the Government proceeds with its current piecemeal and inconsistent development agenda, we urge it to formulate and develop an integrated land use master plan taking into account the region’s social, economic and ecological factors.

This would revolve around crop farming, livestock herding, fisheries, tourism, biodiversity and natural resource conservation among others.

The plan should be acceptable to all users of the delta and address their needs and aspirations. International interests must also be taken into account, like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which Kenya is party to.

Respect rights

The rights of the local people must be respected. Residents have a right to appeal because they believe the Government’s decision will harm them and their livelihood.

The future of Tana River Delta calls for equity and better governance.

— Hadley Benny Becha, The East African Wildlife Society