After years of simmering tensions between Taita Taveta and Makueni counties over Mtito Andei Town, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a directive to security chiefs in the area, directing them to resolve the dispute promptly.
While launching the newly created Kambu Sub-County in Makueni on Monday, the CS noted that he had directed county commissioners from the two counties to hold a joint meeting.
The security chiefs are then expected to offer a solution reached between the two sides within two weeks.
"I have also directed the county security chiefs of Makueni and Taita Taveta to have joint sittings under the co-chair chairmanship of Henry Wafula, County Commissioner of Makueni, and Josephine Onunga, County Commissioner of Taita Taveta," Kindiki directed.
"In two weeks, you must come up with a win-win and fair outcome so that we can resolve the problem of Mtito Andei between Makueni and Taita Taveta permanently."
The two counties have been at loggerheads over the border town coveted for its revenue collection potency.
About a year ago, a commotion erupted in the town when Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime deployed revenue clerks to the town.
So fierce was the fallout that police were forced to intervene to restore normalcy.
Mwadime insisted that his administration had obtained a court order authorising its officers to effect the collection of revenue in the area.
"I have a court order authorising my administration to collect cess in the town and no amount of intimidation will deter my government from doing what is legally binding," he vowed at the time.
"We have a court order in place and will soon deploy revenue officials to start collecting revenue at the disputed Mtito-Andei and Mackinnon Road townships."
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo, on the other hand, insists that Taita Taveta administration had trespassed on its territory.
During the launch, Kindiki also promised to work with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials to find solutions to human-wildlife conflict that has become rampant in the area, particularly since elephants have been terrorising residents.
