The government will spend Sh80 billion to pay 800 families whose land will be acquired for the two
hydroelectric
projects in Elgeyo Marakwet.
The project is estimated to cost Sh63 billion.
The National Land Commission
Chairman Muhammed Swazuri on Tuesday said the
process of land acquisition for the Arror and Kimwarer Multi-Purpose Dam projects will start soon.
Kerio Valley Development Authority which is the implementing agency for the project invited the land commission to help in the land acquisition process.
“We require KVDA to formally write to us clearly indicating the land they are targeting as we move to help in the process,” Swazuri said after a meeting with KVDA officials and other stakeholders in Eldoret.
The acquisition will pave way for work to start on the projects which had been hit by rows as affected families demand proper compensation for their land.
CEO of KVDA David Kimosop said the Arror multi-purpose project will cost Sh35 billion while Kimwarer project is estimated to cost Sh28 billion.
“We have worked well on the initial plans including sensitization meetings with the community,” Kimosop said.
KVDA said they had carried out more than 35 meetings within the projects area.
The projects will be put up on 4,000 acres land and they will produce electricity apart from being used on irrigation.
The land has been identified in parts of Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu.
“Our consultants are already in the area preparing for our entry so that we move on with the process,” Swazuri
said.
The Arror project will be a joint venture between CMC di Ravena and Itenera of Italy and could generate 60 megawatts of electricity.
“More than 10,000 acres of land will be placed under irrigation and provide water for domestic use to over 100,000 households,” said Kimosop.