Africa-Press – Kenya. MPs have raised concerns over inordinate delays in the compensation of land owners whose parcels have been taken under compulsory acquisition by the government.
Most of the cases have been acquired to pave way for the development of various infrastructural developments. According to the lawmakers, majority of Kenyans now find themselves in sever destitution due to the delayed compensation, sometimes taking years.
Reacting to a petition by Ibrahim Nthithu Makwattah, MPs faulted the national government for subjecting Kenyans to suffering even after pushing them out of their land.
Kitui Central MP Makalu Mulu while contributing on the petition said compensation should be prompt to allow those who have surrendered their land to settle.
“The law is very clear that when the government acquires land for purposes of public good, it must compensate those who have given out the land,” Makali said.
Nthithu had petitioned the National Assembly on behalf of the landowners whose parcels and properties were compulsory acquired by the government for the development of the Kibwezi lorry park and roadside facilities along Kibwezi-Kitui Road.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa called on the House to guarantee the swift and comprehensive compensation of Kenyan citizens whose lands have been forcefully procured by the government. He emphasised that this compensation should be expedited without further delay.
“There are very many Kenyans who had their land forcefully acquired by government and it is their right to be paid their dues. Any slight delay should not be tolerated,” Barasa said.
“I implore this House to allocate resources for compensating not only Kitui or Makueni residents, but all Kenyans who have contributed their land for projects and programmes benefiting our nation.”
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya said that in her county, the Horn of Africa Road stretches from Kulamawe to Modogashe. She regretted that individuals whose lands were acquired by the government for the project are yet to receive compensation.
“This is occurring while the roads are already in the process of construction. Affected locals have received no communication, nor has any discussion regarding compensation taken place to this day,” she said, adding that the locals have been left in the dark.
“Despite visiting the National Lands Commission, all they receive are empty promises. This situation needs to be addressed seriously, as this delay portrays us as ineffective representatives of the people.”
Sigowet/Soin MP Justice Kemei cited acquisition of the land for the Sigoit/Soin dam as another undertaking where landowners have waited for almost a decade for compensation.
“They must rely on government valuation; unfortunately, they do not even receive the value they desire. It is a disservice to our people when authorities within the government procrastinate on effective compensation,” Kemei said. The MPs said the land owners have the right to compensation, calling on the state top expedite their part.
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