Joho Marks Eid-ul-Adha with Call for Unity as Government Promises 200,000 More Title Deeds for Coast

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho used the Eid-ul-Adha Mombasa celebrations on Wednesday to call on Kenyans to embrace unity and selfless service, even as he highlighted the government’s progress on resolving the Coast’s long-standing land crisis.

Speaking to journalists after morning  Eid prayers in Mombasa, Joho drew on the religious significance of the day to deliver a message that was equal parts spiritual and political.

“Life is about sacrifice,” he said. “Do good for others, your neighbours, and your country.” He drew a parallel with Prophet Ibrahim, who showed willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. Leadership, Joho argued, demands the same spirit.

Government Acts on Coast Land Crisis

The CS praised President Ruto’s recent Coast tour. During the visit, the government distributed 33,000 title deeds.

Recipients came from Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta counties. More is coming. Within 90 days, the government plans to issue 200,000 additional title deeds.

Officials will buy land from absentee landlords. Families who have lived on these plots for generations will finally hold legal ownership.

“This is the first time the government is purchasing this many parcels already occupied by citizens,” Joho said. “We will settle them once and for all.”

Nyali parliamentary aspirant Said Abdalla welcomed the announcement. He said auctioneers had spent years exploiting residents who lacked documents.

“Our parents are rejoicing,” he said. “Future generations will not carry this burden.”

Abdalla predicted land would exit the 2027 campaign agenda entirely. Leaders would compete on development instead, he said.

Fish Markets and Cold Storage for Fisherfolk

Joho also outlined plans for the fishing sector. The government is building cold storage facilities and fish markets along the Coast.

These projects target post-harvest losses that cost fisherfolk significant income every season.

He said the government must open doors for investment and employment across the region. The Blue Economy, he added, holds untapped potential for Coast communities.

Joho Signals Political Ambitions for 2027

On the politics surrounding his own future, the CS was characteristically measured.

Speculation has linked him to a possible deputy presidential role under the current Broad-Based Government arrangement, but Joho declined to confirm or deny any ambitions.

“Like any other human being, it is okay to be ambitious, but I haven’t told you what I want today.

Tomorrow’s journey is planned today, and there is no harm in galvanizing our people,” he said.

He closed with a unity message directed at Coast leaders, warning that political fragmentation would cost the region its influence heading into the 2027 election cycle.

“If we want to remain relevant in the political space, then we must unite today and work purposefully for the future together,” he said.