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The National Land Commission (NLC) Chairperson, Gershom Otachi, along with Commissioners Prof. James Tuitoek and Alister Murimi, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources this morning to address several inquiries raised by the Senate.
A key issue discussed during the session was the status of compensation for landowners displaced by the construction of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project. The project, which aims to improve infrastructure in the region, has led to significant concerns among affected landowners.
Chairperson Otachi clarified that the valuation exercise conducted was focused solely on compensating affected individuals for their structures and businesses, rather than the land itself. He explained that there had been no formal application from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to acquire land, as the project was intended to be carried out within a designated road corridor.
“These actions are in accordance with the World Bank’s Operational Policy on involuntary resettlement, aligning with the funding agreement guidelines established between the Government of Kenya and its development partners,” emphasized Mr. Otachi.
The Chairperson further noted that the Commission had carried out inspections of the affected properties and businesses within Phase I of the project. This process included a thorough disclosure and document collection exercise to ensure transparency and fairness in the compensation process.
City lawyers Dunstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, representing the interests of the affected landowners, stressed the importance of fair compensation and the need for a clear understanding of the valuation process. They called for continuous engagement between the NLC, KeNHA, and the affected parties to address any emerging issues promptly.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing transportation and trade within the region. As such, the NLC’s efforts to ensure fair compensation and adherence to international resettlement policies are vital for the project’s success and the well-being of the displaced landowners.
The Senate Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources will continue to monitor the situation and provide oversight to ensure that all stakeholders are treated justly and that the project’s objectives are met without infringing on the rights of the affected individuals.
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