A section of residents in Mandera East Sub-County have voiced strong opposition to a proposal seeking to convert unregistered community land into public property, warning that such a move could trigger tensions and fuel suspicion within the community.
The residents expressed concern that the initiative, if implemented without proper consultation, may be driven by ulterior motives and could lead to conflict and loss of community trust.
Speaking during a community forum, the residents singled out Mikorebe and Garbakole areas as some of the lands potentially at risk of conversion.
They insisted that these parcels of land hold deep social and economic value to the local communities.
Bishar Mohamed, a community representative, highlighted the importance of preserving these lands under communal ownership.
The residents are now calling on the Mandera County Government to formally register the lands under community ownership, in line with the Community Land Act, to safeguard local interests.
They further urged authorities to prioritize inclusive dialogue and consultation with all affected communities before taking any steps related to land status changes.
The call comes amid growing national conversations on land reforms and ownership rights in arid and semi-arid regions.
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