Thousands of Kisumu County residents may be forced to relocate following the government’s announcement of compulsory land acquisition for a multi-billion road reconstruction initiative.
According to a gazette notice from the National Land Commission, the government will acquire additional land parcels on behalf of the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to facilitate the expansion of the Mamboleo – Miwani – Chemelil – Muhoroni – Kipsitet Road.
The targeted acquisition includes multiple parcels under the Wathorego Settlement Scheme and various land reference numbers within the project’s corridor in Kisumu County.
The commission stated, ‘Notice is given that the National Land Commission intends to delete and acquire land shown in the schedule hereunder on behalf of Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in accordance with section 110 of the Land Act No. 6 of 2012.’
The commission clarified that the government will provide compensation for the acquired parcels, with compensation inquiries already scheduled.
The compensation inquiries will take place from June 23 to June 25 at Obwolo and Miwani chiefs’ offices, requiring affected landowners and interested parties to present ownership documentation and compensation claims.
In a separate notice, the commission added, ‘National Land Commission calls upon persons who have an interest or claim in the land shown in the schedule here below, which the Commission intends to compulsorily acquire for purposes Reconstruction of Mamboleo – Miwani – Chemelil – Muhoroni – Kipsitet Road (B132) Road lot 1: Mamboleo Junction (A1) –Miwani Section in Kisumu County to appear before the Commission in person on the dates and places shown below to inquire into.’
The acquisition list includes parcels with joint ownership and several plots with undetermined ownership details.
The notice also featured deletions and amendments to previously listed parcels, indicating adjustments in the acquisition exercise’s scope.
Displaced residents must submit copies of their identity cards, KRA PIN certificates, land ownership documents, and bank account details prior to the hearings.
The notice added, ‘Every person interested in the affected land is required to deliver to the National Land Commission on or before the day of the inquiry a written claim to compensation, a copy of identity card (ID), Personal Identification Number (PIN), land ownership documents, and bank account details.’
The road project is situated within Kenya’s sugar belt, connecting Kisumu, Nandi, and Kericho counties, with an estimated value of Ksh 15.7 billion.
Implemented by KeNHA, the project aims to enhance transportation and connectivity among Kisumu, Kericho, and Nandi counties upon completion.