The National Land Commission (NLC) has revealed that government agencies owe Sh56 billion in compensation to individuals affected by completed infrastructure projects, raising serious concerns regarding the violation of their rights.
During a recent Senate Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee meeting, NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi emphasized the dire need for prompt payments from agencies, stating, “The government should not acquire public land without fully compensating the owners.”
The breakdown indicates that the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) alone owes Sh43 billion, followed by the Kenya Railway Corporation at Sh11 billion, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority at Sh1.2 billion, and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) with Sh500 million.
Otachi described how budget constraints have forced the NLC to manage compensations on a case-by-case basis, often prioritizing individuals facing urgent financial or health difficulties.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa criticized the delays, equating them to a constitutional breach. He demanded accountability from the agencies involved, questioning why funds remain undistributed when projects have already been completed.
“When the public is removed from land, it’s often done forcefully. We need laws to ensure prompt compensation,” Thangwa asserted.
Senator Enock Wambua echoed these sentiments, highlighting the troubling trend of expedited payments only occurring when claimants are gravely ill.
The backlog of compensation cases can be traced back to budgetary issues, with some claims dating as far back as the 1970s.
NLC Finance Director Bernard Cherutich revealed that many affected individuals have died waiting for compensation, underscoring the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in how compensation is managed within government agencies.
As the outcry for justice continues, the NLC is calling for a restructuring of available funds to resolve ongoing disputes and ensure fair compensation for all affected parties.
