Elections suspended at Taita Taveta Iron Ore-rich Kishushe ranch Cooperative

The highly anticipated leadership elections at Kishushe Ranch have been postponed indefinitely following irregularities in the membership register, prolonging a governance crisis that has plagued the mineral-rich cooperative for over a decade.

The postponement which was announced during what was supposed to be Election Day, has resulted in the installation of a five-member interim committee tasked with cleaning up the membership register within 90 days.

The committee, chaired by Madam Matilda Waleghwa, draws representation from five different locations within the ranch area.

The latest setback adds to the troubled history of the 60,000-acre ranch, which sits atop significant iron ore deposits that have attracted multiple mining investors over the years. The cooperative society has been embroiled in leadership disputes that have stalled development and threatened investor confidence in the region’s mining potential.

County Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo welcomed the interim arrangement, describing it as a step in the right direction towards resolving the leadership stalemate.

She emphasized that all mining consents by investors eyeing mineral resources at Kishushe Ranch must receive approval from the full membership to prevent future disputes.

ALSO READ:

Over 5,000 sugar workers face uncertainty as state firms begin layoffs under private leases

“We need strong cooperative governance to maximize the ranch’s mineral potential,” Kilalo stated, highlighting the county government’s commitment to ensuring due process in mining agreements.

The ranch has been at the center of several high-profile mining controversies. Historical records show that various companies, including Samruddha Resources Kenya Ltd and more recently Devki Group, have sought to extract iron ore from the area. However, these ventures have been complicated by leadership wrangles and disputes over financial obligations.

In previous years, the ranch has faced claims of unpaid debts by mining companies, with one dispute involving over millions allegedly owed by a mining firm.

The County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives, Dawson Katuu, acknowledged the adverse socio-economic impact of these prolonged disputes on both the local community and the broader county economy.

“While we strive to unlock this stalemate, we strongly advocate for adherence to the Cooperative Act, the Mining Act, and the Lands Act. As a county, we are ready to support members once structured leadership is put in place,” Katuu said.

The leadership vacuum has also complicated land ownership issues within the ranch. Some families have contested the cooperative’s acquisition of what they claim is their ancestral land, leading to court battles and eviction orders that have further complicated the governance situation.

ALSO READ:

CPA Sandagi takes over as Ag CEO SASRA as Njuguna’s term ends  

Interim Chair Matilda Waleghwa assured members of her committee’s commitment to restoring order and fostering unity within the cooperative.

“Kishushe, being the bedrock of iron ore in Taita Taveta, has the potential to transform livelihoods across the county. Our pledge is to sanitize the register, follow due process, and champion a common agenda for the benefit of all members,” she stated.

The membership register cleaning exercise was endorsed by representatives from the State Department of Mining and the Department of Cooperatives Development, led by Senior Deputy Commissioner Philip Uluphma. Their presence stresses on the government’s concern over the prolonged crisis affecting one of the county’s most significant mineral resources.

The Kishushe Ranch crisis represents broader challenges facing community-owned mining ventures in Kenya, where governance disputes often hamper the realization of mineral wealth potential.

ALSO READ:

CS Duale appoints Lesiyampe as KNH acting CEO, Ombiri to JOOTRH

The interim committee now faces the challenging task of reconciling competing interests while ensuring transparency in membership verification. Their success could determine whether Kishushe Ranch can finally harness its mineral wealth for community benefit or remain mired in disputes that have characterized its recent history.

As the 90-day cleanup period begins, stakeholders including potential investors, government officials, and community members will be watching closely to see if this latest intervention can break the cycle of governance crises that have plagued one of Taita Taveta County’s most valuable assets.

The county government has indicated its readiness to provide support once proper leadership structures are established, raising hopes that resolution of the current standoff could unlock significant economic benefits for the region.

By Michael Oduor

oduormichael2021@gmail.com

Sharing is caring!