The National Land Commission (NLC) is under scrutiny for retaining at least Sh4 billion allocated for compensating Kenyans displaced by road construction and infrastructure projects.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The commission’s chairperson, Gershom Otachi, has been summoned to the Senate Committee on Roads to explain the payment delays but failed to appear, requesting a postponement due to a prior engagement with the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
Concerns arose during a recent committee meeting, where it emerged that the NLC is holding approximately Sh2.98 billion tied to the James Gichuru-Rironi Road project.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has disbursed Sh10 billion intended for compensating affected persons, yet only Sh6.52 billion has reached 1,338 beneficiaries out of 2,444.
An additional Sh587.5 million is still being processed for 313 individuals, leaving 65 percent of those affected without compensation.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa expressed frustration, asserting that government takings of land without compensation warrant immediate action.
“This is an important meeting. Delays are denying justice to the people,” Thang’wa declared, reaffirming the need for Otachi’s urgent appearance.
Other projects, such as the Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui-Migwani road, illustrate the NLC’s troubling track record.
Although Sh281 million was allocated for compensation, only Sh180 million has been disbursed, leaving Sh101 million unaccounted for, raising questions about the commission’s transparency and accountability.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua echoed these concerns, questioning the whereabouts of the withheld compensation funds.
“Why is NLC holding onto this money? We demand answers, especially as this has persisted for over two years,” he stated….CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLE>>>
