The Coastal region has emerged among the biggest beneficiaries of the 2026/2027 National Budget, with the government allocating five billion shillings for the purchase of land to settle squatters.
While presenting the budget estimates before the National Assembly last Thursday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the allocation forms part of a wider 9.4-billion-shilling program aimed at assisting landless citizens across the country.
The move comes about a month after President William Ruto toured the Coast region and pledged to set aside funds to purchase land from absentee landlords and allocate it to squatters.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to resolving the land problem that has affected the Coast region for more than six decades since Kenya attained independence.
Under the program, the government has also proposed 892 million shillings for land valuation and title deed registration, as well as 388 million shillings for the digitization of land records to enhance land ownership security and reduce land disputes.
The Coast region has further benefited from funding aimed at developing the blue economy, fisheries, and transport infrastructure sectors. The government has allocated 400 million shillings for operations at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa.
Meanwhile, 8.2 billion shillings has been set aside for the Blue Economy and Fisheries sector, including projects supporting fish farming and marine fisheries development.
The government also says it is working with the private sector to improve ports, container terminals, and special economic zones in Mombasa and Lamu counties.
The investments are expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a key trade and logistics hub in East Africa while creating more economic opportunities for residents of the Coast region.
