THE Kenya Airports Authority will begin compensating some 120 families affected by the first phase of the expansion plan of Malindi Airport this month.
The process, which will cost millions of shillings, is expected to be completed in two months. The Authority intends to acquire 25 hectares in the Southern side of the airport near Kwachocha area.
Families voluntarily accepted to move out of the land to pave way for the development of the airport. It is expected to improve economic standards and attract investors to Malindi, a tourist destination. Malindi Airport manager Walter Agong told journalists yesterday that the 25 hectares is for the expansion of the car park.
He said the airport’s entrance will be relocated. “Already evaluation of the properties within the land in question was complete and almost 95 per cent of the families have agreed with the value set for compensation,” Agong said. He said the families will be compensated only for the existing developments on the land.
“We have been in constant communication with the community. They have accepted to move out, we evaluated the land and gave them the report, which they accepted,” he said. Agong said KAA has appointed a legal firm to negotiate with the lawyers appointed by the community to ensure those compensated are the right people to minimise complaints.
“We believe with the ongoing discussions we shall complete the compensation in two months,’’ he said. The Airport manager said 90 per cent of the families set for compensation are satisfied and authorities are dealing with the few who have issues.