National Lands Commission sets conditions on paying Standard Gauge Railway compensation

Chairman of the Kenya Lands Commission Dr.Mohamed Swazuri addresses residents of Skembo village at Port Reitz, Changamwe in Mombasa on Monday,08th June,2015. The chairman who was accompanied by Coast Leaders and his officials was touring the area to finalize the compensations process for the locals to pave way for the construction of the Standard gauge Railway. [PHOTO/MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

The National Lands Commission (NLC) has said the Government will offer reasonable compensation to land owners affected by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) not based on rates being offered by other commercial entities offering to purchase the land.

Addressing locals at Kasemeni Ward in Kinango on Saturday NLC Chair, Dr Muhammad Swazuri said SGR is a public project that has immense benefits for people of the larger East African region.

"We are pursuing this land for public use and not as a profitability venture. We therefore cannot offer what private investors are offering for land they acquire here," he said.

Swazuri said NLC does not want a situation where Government projects stall because of land unavailability.

At the meeting, 220 letters that NLC had given to land owners were returned after owners protested low compensation and the chairman said they will, this week, issue fresh and properly worded letters detailing what is being compensated.

"We shall be clear on the breakdown which includes value of land and cost of any improvements including buildings and crops or plants on the plots to be hived off for the SGR project," he said.

In the meantime, Council of Governors Vice chairman, Salim Mvurya, has hit out at Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa who he accused of branding as inciters - county leaders voicing their concern over the SGR compensation.

"The Constitution is very clear on the need to dialogue and especially on matters pertaining to compensation where people have to move to pave way for Government projects. As county leaders we will not stop speaking for our people," Mvurya said.

The governor warned residents to be wary of land brokers who have invaded the area due to ongoing mega projects like the SGR and the Dongo Kundu by pass projects.

On his part, Education Executive Mangale Munga Chiporomodo welcomed remarks by Swazuri that all schools facing relocation will have their costs borne by SGR.

He said schools to be affected within Kasemeni division include Bonje Secondary School, Mprirani and Mariakani Roman Catholic Primary School.