Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society Limited has welcomed a permanent government-brokered solution to long-standing disputes over mining activities at the Taita Taveta based ranch
Addressing the press on Saturday in Voi, Kishushe Ranching Coop leaders said that move has cleared the way for legally compliant investors to operate, with local leaders expressing confidence that the move will unlock jobs, restore order and ensure residents benefit from the area’s mineral wealth.
They added that the breakthrough followed a consultative meeting held in Nairobi on January 21, 2026, between the ranch leadership and senior officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, whereby the challenges that have for years stalled mining investments and fueled internal disputes within the cooperative were addressed.
According to the society’s Secretary, Wilfred Mwalimo, the engagement marked a turning point for the ranch, which has endured prolonged leadership infighting that left ordinary residents and shareholders bearing the cost.
He said the latest intervention by the ministry had resulted in a lasting resolution. Mwalimo said that, “This is a government that listens. The PS listened to us. CS Joho also listened to this committee and finally we have gotten a permanent solution.”
He announced that the cooperative will convene a Special General Meeting on January 31, 2026, to brief members and formally receive key stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretary and investor Narendra Raval, as the ranch charts a new course anchored on legality and transparency.
Mwalimo said the current leadership is committed to welcoming only investors who follow the law and respect agreements entered into with the community.
ALSO READ:
Lower Turkwel Irrigation Project emerges as catalyst for growth in restive region
As a sign of renewed momentum, Mwalimo confirmed that the first investor, Samrudha Resources Kenya Limited, has already been issued with a mining licence, paving the way for the commencement of operations once final agreements are concluded.
He said the cooperative and the wider Kishushe community are ready to host investors who come through proper channels and comply with regulatory requirements.
The secretary said the January 31 meeting will also provide an opportunity for members to engage with Narendra Raval, commonly known as Devki, to discuss investment terms and expectations.
“We will listen to him, allow for agreements so that if it’s starting the work, they start so that citizens can benefit from it,” he said, stressing that dialogue and adherence to the law will guide all engagements.
Mwalimo issued a stern warning to individuals spreading misinformation to investors, claiming there are plans to chase them away. He said such actions undermine development and go against national and county interests.
“We have received calls that there is a leader who has followed an investor by the name Devki telling him that there are people who are planning to chase him away. We want to tell leaders of such type that the industry in Manga is a matter of national interest, it is a matter of county interest and we want to tell them they should keep off the issues of Kishushe ranch,” he said.
He added that the current committee will remain firm and will not allow political interference to derail initiatives intended to uplift residents.
Mwalimo urged the President to take action against leaders who, he said, work against government-led development efforts. “Leaders of such type are not supposed to be in government because you cannot be working in government and you are fighting the same government that is working very hard under the leadership of the president to make Taita Taveta the next Singapore,” he said, adding that Kishushe should be part of that transformation.
Highlighting the economic stakes, Mwalimo said Samrudha’s operations are projected to employ up to 2,000 people once mining begins, while agreements with Devki are expected to generate 902 job opportunities for locals.
He accused some actors of exploiting poverty among residents to advance political interests stating, “They have been using poverty of the residents of Taita Taveta to advance their political interest. What we are saying is that, the interest of the people comes first.”
ALSO READ:
Mwalimo said the cooperative is open to more investors and has chosen mediation by the Ministry of Mining to shield the process from cartels that previously thrived on divisions within the ranch. He expressed confidence in the current administration, saying the progress achieved so far would not have been possible without government intervention and decisive action.
Echoing these sentiments, the Chairperson of Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society Limited, Matilda Waleghwa, said the ranch has for many years been misused, denying residents the benefits they deserve. Barely four months into office, she said the new leadership is determined to break with the past and institute change anchored on accountability.
“It has reached a point where Kishushe is about to be reclaimed, it’s when some people are coming up, they want to bring in their old-fashioned tricks of getting money from investors through wrong ways,” said Waleghwa.
She noted that cartels had long taken advantage of disagreements within the ranch leadership to enrich themselves at the expense of the community.
Waleghwa said the disputes that have repeatedly surfaced at Kishushe were carefully planned by individuals now attempting to undermine the new leadership. She said the committee will remain firm to ensure that Taita Taveta residents receive what is rightfully theirs.
“The truth is that we don’t have any problem with the PS, CS, or Devki. What we wanted was the law to be followed and that is what we have agreed with them and that is why we have asked him to come to our SGM,” she said.
ALSO READ:
250 youth in Nyeri to benefit from 45-day NYOTA skills training
She dismissed claims that the leadership intends to chase away investors, saying such allegations are false and meant to sow discord. Waleghwa confirmed that although there had been a court case involving Devki and the ranch leadership, discussions with the ministry resulted in an agreement for the case to be withdrawn, a process she said was ongoing.
She expressed optimism that by the time of the SGM, the investor would attend as a new partner, engage members and, if approved, be allocated an area to operate from.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the January 31 meeting will mark a new chapter for Kishushe Ranch, characterised by unity, legality and peaceful engagement with investors.
“We are the ones who have taken the initiative to have a mutual understanding and solve issues,” said Waleghwa, adding that the forthcoming SGM is expected to be one of the most peaceful in the ranch’s history.
With government backing and community resolve, the cooperative says Kishushe Ranch is poised to translate its mineral potential into tangible economic benefits for local residents, the county and the country at large.
By Michael Oduor
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
