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Thursday, September 5, 2024
The National Land Commission (NLC) leadership, led by Chief Executive Officer CHRP Kabale Tache Arero and Chairperson Gershom Otachi, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Infrastructure to present updates on compensation claims for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) involved in national infrastructure projects. The session, chaired by Kiambu Senator Hon. Karungo Thangwa, focused on the progress made in compensating individuals whose land has been acquired for critical government developments.
During the presentation, NLC Chair Otachi outlined the key agencies responsible for land acquisition, including the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC). These agencies have collectively allocated Ksh. 83.4 billion for compensating PAPs affected by 123 infrastructure projects nationwide.
The Commission has disbursed Ksh. 79.6 billion, representing a 95% payout to PAPs related to these agencies. Chair Otachi commended the progress made in ensuring timely compensation but acknowledged that Ksh. 56 billion remains outstanding, awaiting release from acquiring bodies to fully compensate affected persons.
The meeting was attended by several members of the Senate Committee, including Vice-Chair Hon. Peris Tobiko, Hon. Kiio Wambua (Senator for Kitui County), Hon. Lelegwe (Senator for Samburu County), and Hon. Mohamed Chute (Senator for Marsabit County). They raised pertinent questions regarding the delays in disbursement and the overall compensation process, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure PAPs are fully compensated for the land they relinquished for national development.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to working with infrastructure agencies to finalize the compensation process while ensuring transparency and fairness
