The Environment and Land Court in Garissa has issued temporary orders halting any new settlements or expansion activities along a disputed three-mile strip at the boundary between Tana River and Garissa counties.
This directive follows a petition filed by Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi, who accuses Tana River County leadership of unlawful encroachment.
In a ruling delivered by Justice J. Mutungi, the court ordered that the status quo be maintained — effectively freezing any ongoing or planned developments in the contested area. The orders prohibit the Tana River County administration from adding new settlements or expanding existing ones until the case is fully heard and determined.
The petitioner argues that Tana River County has been aggressively expanding into Garissa’s territory, triggering growing tensions among residents and threatening the fragile peace in the region.
The court session, held on April 28th, was attended by representatives of both parties, including the National Land Commission. The judge emphasized that no further action should be taken on the land until all legal questions are resolved.
The matter has been scheduled for mention on the 26th of June 2025, when the court will issue further directions. In the meantime, a penal notice has been issued warning that anyone who violates the court order will face legal consequences.
This case is the latest in a series of inter-county boundary disputes that have plagued various regions in Kenya. The outcome of this petition is expected to have far-reaching implications on how such disputes are managed going forward.
