Residents of Kabete, Ndeiya, and Gatundu North, who surrendered their land for state projects, are still waiting for compensation as the National Land Commission (NLC) revealed that government agencies have yet to release Sh56 billion needed to pay displaced individuals.
Appearing before the Senate Roads and Transportation Committee, chaired by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi explained that the delayed compensation stems from the failure of several state agencies to remit the required funds. Among these agencies are the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenya Ports Authority, and Kenya Airports Authority.
“The commission is yet to receive Sh56 billion from these acquiring entities,” Otachi informed the committee. According to him, KeNHA alone owes Sh43 billion, KURA Sh1.2 billion, KeRRA Sh500 million, and Kenya Railways Sh11 billion, all of which are necessary to compensate Kenyans affected by various infrastructural projects.
Despite the completion of many projects, including the Nairobi Expressway, Siaya-Rwambwa road, and Thika Road, affected landowners remain uncompensated. The situation has led to growing frustration, especially in areas like Kabete, Ndeiya, and Gatundu North, where residents are eager to receive the payments they were promised.
Otachi noted that while 123 projects across the country are valued at Sh139.44 billion in compensation, the agencies have only remitted Sh83.44 billion to the NLC, out of which Sh79.62 billion has already been disbursed to affected individuals.
The Senate Roads and Transportation Committee has been pressing for answers, urging the NLC and the responsible agencies to expedite the release of funds and ensure that the long-awaited compensation is delivered. The delays have left many landowners feeling abandoned, with their livelihoods at stake as they await the promised payments.
