Mackinnon residents have expressed fear of missing crucial government services following a protracted boundary dispute between Kwale and Taita-Taveta counties.
The residents said they fear missing education bursaries and other development projects.
The two counties are embroiled in a boundary dispute over control of Mackinnon Road Township.
Since inception of devolution, the two counties have been accusing each other of trespassing.
The town is along Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
Kwale says its boundary with Taita Taveta is at Miasenyi, a few kilometres from Mackinnon Road town.
Taita Taveta on the other hand says its boundary extends to Landi Ya Mwembeni near Taru town.
On February 12, the Environment and Land Court in Mombasa issued a conservatory order allowing Taita Taveta to collect taxes and issue permits pending June 26 ruling.
The order said all revenue be deposited in an interest-earning bank account opened jointly with Kwale government.
The order prohibited Kwale government from collecting revenue from Mackinnon.
The directive raised more tension among residents, who solely depend on Kwale government for education scholarships and development.
Mackinnon business group chairperson Mohammed Said Chanunu said residents are not happy and fear they might soon lose everything.
"Apart from business, I have children who are fully sponsored by Kwale government. What will happen to them if Mackinnon is given to Taita Taveta?" he said.
Mackinnon Town has a population of more than 3,000 people.
"We have lived here for so many years and we are proud to be associated with Kwale and its development," Chanunu said.
Currently, the residents get services such as health, agriculture, education and infrastructure development from Kwale government.
However, Taita-Taveta government is supplying the residents with water through the Tavevo water and sewerage company.
Mackinnon women group chairperson Lucy Wanjiku said their empowerment groups are on the verge of collapsing.
She said the groups, supported by Kwale government, have transformed many women's lives.
Kwale government has helped set up 50 Village Savings and Loan Associations and transformed 30 into companies.
The women have also won tenders worth millions of shillings in Kwale county.
"Since Governor Achani took over, we have seen many benefits. But I am afraid all that will be in vain," Wanjiku said.
She said it is unfair for Taita Taveta government to collect revenue and taxes from them yet it is Kwale government that is supporting them.
Salim Koko, a youth leader, said many youth have benefited from the Elimu Ni Sasa bursary programme.
He said many people stand to lose if the town is taken away from Kwale.
Former chief Mwatela Kamanza said the boundary review conducted in 1992 placed Mackinnon in Kwale county.
Kamanza said they have no problem with Taita Taveta residents but are at war with the injustice done to Kwale.
He urged president William Ruto to intervene and help settle the issue.
However, some residents are okay with Mackinnon being in Taita Taveta county.
"We are all one, being in Taita or Kwale doesn't make one a foreigner. The most important thing is development, peace, love and unity," a businessperson, who sought anonymity, said.
Former Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja said Mackinnon was illegally grabbed by Kwale.
He said he has evidence that shows the town belonged to the county.
