President William Ruto has withdrawn valuation powers from the National Land Commission (NLC) over the skewed compensation procedures in instances where the government has identified parcels for compulsory land acquisition.
Speaking during a church service in Isiolo, Ruto said going forward the Lands ministry will conduct valuation for purposes of accountability, to ensure equality when carrying out the land compensation.
“I have already commanded the NLC people that they will no longer do the evaluations for land compensation. The Ministry of Lands will carry out the valuations so as to ensure every Kenyan get their equal share,” he said.
Additionally, Ruto emphasized the need to treat all Kenyans equally and ensure that everyone receives what they deserve.
The NLC is accused of discrimination in compensation of project-affected persons in a road project in Isiolo.
The Senate Lands Committee has ordered the commission to halt the compensation process until the issue is rectified.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a road project being carried out by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), is the subject of allegations of unfair compensation by the NLC.
