NLC team assures Kwale residents of compensation in SGR project

KWALE COUNTY: The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) and the National Land Commission (NLC) have said residents who will be affected by the construction of the standard gauge railway in Kwale County will be fully compensated.

Seventy one kilometres of the line will pass through the county and locals have in the recent past raised concerns over plans to compensate.

NLC has already issued a notice to compulsorily acquire private property to allow for the construction of the new railway system.

The property and compensation rights however do not apply to property acquired illegally and some areas the line will pass through is occupied by squatters raising fears that some residents may not be paid.

But KRC and NLC have allayed these fears saying that everyone affected will be compensate.

“Where public land is declared, everybody will be compensated, even occupiers in good faith,” said Dr Mohamed Swazuri when he visited the Kwale Governor, Salim Mvurya.

AN AGREEMENT

He said it would be unconstitutional for the Government to forcefully take over citizens’ land before reaching an agreement with them.

Mvurya observed that the county government is ready to work with KRC and NLC to prepare the residents for the changes. He urged KRC and NLC to ensure that the process is transparent.

“We are looking forward to opportunities for youth employment and supply of goods and services to the construction sites by locals,” said the governor.

KRC used the forum to make a presentation on the proposed construction.

KRC Managing Director, Atanas Maina said 71 kilometres in Kwale County will be taken up by the project.

Mr Maina promised to work with the NLC to ensure that due process is followed and residents are compensated before the corporation takes ownership of the land.

KRC plans to visit Taita Taveta, Nairobi, and Machakos counties to prepare residents for the SGR project.