Ukunda Airstrip: State asked explain delays on compensation

The government has been asked to explain why residents of Ukunda in Kwale County who paved the way for the expansion of an airstrip are yet to be compensated

Nominated senator Raphael Chimera, who is seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources said residents who were displaced by the expansion of Ukunda Airstrip are still waiting for compensation.

“State why the National Land Commission has not compensated residents of Mkokoni Village in Ukunda, Kwale County whose land was acquired by the government for the purposes of expansion of Ukunda Airstrip by the Kenya Airports Authority,” he said.

Chimera further wants the government to spell out measures, if any, put in place by the National Land Commission and the Kenya Airport Authority to ensure timely compensation of the residents of Kokwani, stating the timelines for compensation.

Baringo senator William Cheptumo's compensation by the government has been a big challenge in this country.

“When you acquire land through compulsory acquisition, it means you will have factored in compensation in the budget. I sometimes wonder where the money goes to because at the point of acquiring the land, the money is available for compensation, but after some time, the money disappears and Kenyans suffer,” he said.

Nominated senator Beatrice Ogola said the land to be used for the expansion must be valued properly as per the market rates.

“As I have said, the property is not only limited to the houses,” she said.

Ogola urged concerned authorities to come out to make proper compensation for Ukunda Airstrip so that people may get what rightly belongs to them.

Ukunda Airstrip is a small airfield near Diani Beach. The airport serves the local areas of Diani, Tiwi and Msambweni.

It extends its service from Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).