Lack of titles stalls Lapsset land compensation

Compensation of communities along the Lapsset corridor has turned into a headache in the rush to beat the deadline to have projects completed in nine months as directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Title deeds are key in compensation for land. However, communities along the corridor have none, something that complicates matters in the completion of the project within the timeline.

Speaking in Garissa town on Wednesday after a meeting for residents who will be affected by the project, National Land Commission chairman Gershom Otachi said he will fast-track community land registration with the Ministry of Lands.

He said he will ask the ministry to prioritise communities along the corridor so as to have the projects completed within the stipulated time.

The Community Land Registration Act has been in place but has not been operationalised for unspecified reasons. Stakeholders said this may derail the government’s flagship project.

Otachi who was with other senior government officials said the NLC will work with all stakeholders, including local leaders, to ensure the project is completed on time.

There have also been contentious issues with compensation money to be given to the county government on behalf of the community. A section of leaders is opposed to this.

Lapsset is Eastern Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure project bringing together Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan. It starts with the 32-berth port in Lamu to Isiolo and to Juba in South Sudan, and from Isiolo to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. It involves roads, pipelines as well as railways.

Kenya National Highways Authority chairman Wangai Ndirangu said the project will open up the region's economy, noting that 270km will be finished by May next year as promised by President Kenyatta.

Kenha is also constructing a road from Bothai to Lamu that will cost about Sh17 billion.

Kabale Tachi, the acting chief executive officer of the NLC, said the project will boost the economy of the region. They will work with other stakeholders on how best to compensate the community, she said.

"The project will open up this region that has complained over marginalisation for a long time. The region is unique and delicate, that is why we will work with all, including local leaders, for the project’s success,” she said.

Local leaders who described the projects as massive that will have far-reaching consequences on the development of the region asked the stakeholders to closely cooperate with the community its success.

There has been an uproar over the compensation of the community. Local leaders said despite the massive investment that will have a positive change on the communities, caution should be taken on environmental impacts.

Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane promised the project implementers of the county's support, saying it will benefit locals in a big way.

"We see the reality of connecting our region to other counties, as well as Ethiopia and South Sudan, giving us hope of economic growth through trade and other related opportunities," he said.

He said issues of land compensation, job opportunities, corporate social responsibility and environmental impact assessment all needed to be put into consideration in the implementation of the project.

Abdul Haji described the project as the biggest that has ever been implemented in the region, assuring local leaders and community support.

Ijara MP Sophia Abdi, Lagdera MP Mohamed Hire and MCAs led by assembly majority leader Mohamed Gabow raised several community concerns with the team to ensure the success of the project.

Lapsset director general Maina Kimondu and other officials were present.

Edited by Henry Makori