Government Will Not Compensate Kibera Residents For Construction Of Ngong Road Link

The National Lands Commission (NLC), Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have said that Kibera residents will not be compensated to pave way for construction of Ngong Road-Kungu Karumba-Lang’ata link road.

The commissions gave the reason that land belongs to the government and the development of the proposed link road will proceed as planned.

“The transport corridor is on public land. Most of the residents built structures on the land and NLC will not compensate for that. All we shall do is to pay the occupiers in good faith,” said NLC Vice Chairperson Abigael Mbagaya.

KNCHR’s Kagwiria Mbogori said the mapped area, approximately 10 acres, was occupied by structure owners but that will not stop the project from continuing.

“The project will move on. The Constitution in article 40 provides that those who occupy land without title deeds may be compensated in good faith. This is not the first time for such an experience in the country where citizens have settled on land meant for infrastructure development,” said Ms Mbogori.

Read: Kibera Residents Forcefully Evicted By Kenya Railways

The Ksh2 billion project is meant to reduce traffic jam on Mbagathi Way, Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road.

Last week the government gave the residents two weeks to vacate to pave the way for the construction of the road.

Residents of Mashimoni, Lindi, Kambi Muru and Kisumu Ndogo villages will be affected. They are encroaching on 800 metres.

“Upon the expiry of this notice, any structures or property found on the specified corridor will be demolished or removed from the road reserve at the trespassers’ risk and cost,” said KURA Deputy Director in charge of structures Engineer Timothy Nyamboi.

Do you have a story you want told? Do you know of a sensitive story you would like us to get our hands on? Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com