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A high-level meeting was convened by the National Land Commission (NLC) to address the ongoing Horn of Africa Gateway Project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of Northern Kenya.
The meeting, held in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport, the World Bank, the North and Northeastern Development Initiative (NEDI), and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), focused on resolving issues related to land compensation and project timelines.
The NLC delegation, led by Chair Gershom Otachi, Vice Chair Gertrude Nduku, and Commissioners Allister Murimi and Hon. Tiyah Galgalo, discussed the progress and challenges of the project, particularly in the affected areas of Isiolo and Meru counties. The NLC has been actively involved in these regions, where they have documented 468 grievances related to the project.
During the meeting, Chair Otachi emphasized the critical need to address these grievances promptly to avoid any delays in the project’s progress. “Finding practical solutions to these issues is paramount to ensuring that the Horn of Africa Gateway Project stays on track,” he stated.
The World Bank team, a key financier of the project, informed the attendees that funding for compensation will be available until the end of December 2024. They urged all stakeholders to expedite the compensation process to prevent any interruptions to the project.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Project, strongly supported by President Dr. William Ruto, is seen as a transformative initiative for Northern Kenya, with the potential to connect the region to global markets and drive socio-economic development.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all Project Affected Persons (PAPs) receive fair compensation. “We believe that with the collaboration of all involved parties, this road project will not only be completed successfully but will also bring immense benefits to the communities it serves,” the NLC stated.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together towards the successful and timely completion of the Horn of Africa Gateway Project, ensuring that its socio-economic benefits are realized for the people of Northern Kenya.
