For 72-year-old Mwavadu Mng’aru, life had been a relentless battle against poverty and neglect. Known in Masindeni village, Msambweni, Kwale County, for his dedication as a caretaker, he endured decades of hardship, surviving as a squatter with no land to call his own. However, a heartwarming intervention by Base Titanium, an Australian mining company operating in the region, has given him a new lease on life.
Mng’aru’s life took a turn when residents of Mwaloya village were relocated in 2022 to pave the way for Base Titanium’s mining activities. While most received compensation and resettlement packages, Mng’aru, who lacked land, was left behind. With no family to support him and years of hardship etched into his frail frame, he depended on the kindness of neighbors for survival.
His plight reached the Northern Dune Resettlement Committee, led by locals like Peter Ngei, who advocated for him. “As a community, we felt it was our duty to ensure he was cared for. It was heartbreaking to see him left behind during the relocation,” Ngei said.
Moved by his story, Base Titanium took decisive action. The company built Mng’aru a modest but sturdy home on a one-acre plot, complete with a title deed in his name. Overcome with emotion, Mng’aru expressed his gratitude. “I can’t believe I have a key to my own home and land,” he said, clutching the title deed that symbolized hope and renewal.
For Mng’aru, the home is more than just shelter it is a beacon of stability. “For years, I didn’t feel like myself. But now, with land and a house, I feel whole again,” he said. The land, now teeming with maize, bananas, mango trees, and cassava, offers him the promise of sustenance and self-sufficiency.
Beyond the material transformation, Mng’aru’s newfound stability has reignited his dreams of reuniting with his estranged children. “I yearn to heal old wounds and share this comfort with my family,” he said, holding onto hope that his life’s renewed foundation will bring his loved ones back.
The initiative highlights the collaborative efforts between Base Titanium and the local community. Simon Wall, the company’s External Affairs General Manager, praised the resettlement committee for identifying vulnerable individuals like Mng’aru. “This collaboration demonstrates how we’ve worked together to improve the livelihoods of communities affected by mining activities,” he said.
Christine Mwaka, Base Titanium’s Social Engagement Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to uplifting lives in the region. She noted that Mng’aru had spent over three decades without a decent home but now had a secure future with land in his name. “This is a transformation we’re proud of,” Mwaka said, while advising Mng’aru to protect and maintain his newfound assets.
Local leaders also lauded the initiative. Kinondo Chief Riga Ali commended Base Titanium for aligning its efforts with the government’s affordable housing agenda. “This gesture supports the national goal of ensuring every citizen has access to decent housing,” he said, urging other companies to follow suit.
Mng’aru’s story is a testament to how corporate social responsibility can bring transformative change. Base Titanium’s intervention not only provided him with a home but also restored his dignity and hope for a better future. As Mng’aru nurtures his land and cherishes his home, he embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of community-driven solutions.
In the heart of Kwale County, one man’s dream of a better life has finally become a reality, underscoring the power of compassion and collaboration.
