Part of Casual labourers at KEMU Salt Company in Magarini. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
A section of residents from Magarini Sub-County in Kilifi County has appealed to national and county leaders to urgently intervene and ensure salt mining companies facing land disputes are allowed to continue operating, warning that closures would trigger massive job losses.
The residents say hundreds of families in the Magarini salt belt depend directly and indirectly on salt mining firms for their livelihoods. They caution that shutting down any of the companies would severely disrupt the local economy and push many households into hardship.
Magarini hosts more than six salt mining firms spread across a vast area. However, reports indicate that one company—KEMU Salt—is facing possible closure due to ongoing land disputes.
Speaking in Kurawa Kanagoni, resident Kadzo Karisa urged the government to protect KEMU Salt from closure, noting that many locals rely on the firm for daily income.
“If this company is shut down, hundreds of people will lose their jobs and suffer. We urge the government to find ways of resolving the land disputes instead of stopping operations,” Karisa said.
She added that apart from working as a casual laborer at the salt firm, she runs a small café that serves truck drivers transporting salt, meaning any disruption would also affect small businesses in the area.
Karisa further revealed that residents have received threats that the firm could be closed, a move she said would be disastrous for the community. She called on relevant authorities and local leaders to resolve the disputes amicably to safeguard livelihoods.
Echoing her sentiments, Magarini-based leader Furaha Ngumbao said salt mining firms play a critical role in job creation and economic growth in the region. He warned that the closure of even one firm could result in widespread unemployment.
“Some leaders are inciting locals for selfish reasons. They do not want firms to compensate affected residents so that they can continue using the disputes to blackmail investors,” Ngumbao alleged.
He emphasized that any disagreements between investors and local communities should be resolved through dialogue to allow companies to continue operations.
Ngumbao called on both the national and county governments to take the lead in protecting the interests of locals and investors, proposing proper land registration and clear demarcation as a lasting solution.
“Those whose land is affected by the expansion of salt firms should be fairly compensated. This is the only way to ensure harmony and sustained economic growth in Magarini,” he said.
