Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The SGR Phase 2B line will stretch approximately 264 kilometres, forming a vital connection between the Lake Region and Kenya’s wider railway network.
The surveyors’ body recalled that the National Land Commission was created to protect public land, raise standards in land management, and promote accountability at both national and county levels.
President William Ruto has nominated a new Chairperson and six members to Kenya’s National Land Commission, following a Court of Appeal ruling and pending parliamentary approval to fully constitute the body.
The CEO has warned that compensation payments cannot proceed until the Commission is fully reconstituted, saying that only two commissioners remain in office below the legal threshold required to approve valuation reports and issue binding awards.
Commissioner Galgalo emphasized that delays in securing community land rights are worrying and require collective action from all stakeholders.
The NLC’s order stems from a petition by Kenyans claiming their land was taken during colonial times. After a long investigation, the commission directed Kakuzi to release 3,200 acres for settlement of the most vulnerable claimants, and at least 50 acres to the county government for public use. The directive also includes improving access to roads and communal facilities such as schools. The national and Murang’a County governments are expected to coordinate implementation, including issuing titles and formalizing settlements.
Represented by their lawyer Sylvia Nyambeki, they successfully obtained an injunction from the Siaya High Court, stopping the Siaya County Government from moving forward with the development of the proposed Mitumba market.
The case had been brought before the tribunal by 27 individuals who were among the many affected in 2022 when NLC acquired their land for the dam on behalf of the water authority.
Responding to the concerns, NLC commissioner Prof. James Tuitoek admitted that the commission has been overwhelmed by the volume of claims from across the country.