The Kenyan national government has outlined plans to acquire land for critical infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway expansion, oil development in Turkana County, and the Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale County. Affected landowners are required to submit compensation claims ahead of public inquiries. These initiatives aim to support economic growth through enhanced transport, energy, and water resources.
The Kenyan government, through the National Lands Commission (NLC), has initiated processes to acquire land for multiple major projects. For the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), plans include securing a small parcel in Kajiado County for Phase 2A (Nairobi–Naivasha), where parties must submit ownership documents and compensation claims before an upcoming inquiry. Additionally, extra land along the Mombasa-Nairobi Phase I corridor will be acquired, with a public inquiry scheduled to address landowner claims.
In Turkana County, land acquisition targets the South Lokichar Basin upstream oil project. Parcels are designated for grazing and residential use in the Nakukulas and Kapese communities, as well as for oil wells, water points, airstrips, and related infrastructure. This supports the development of Kenya's nascent oil sector.
For the Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale County, the government seeks to acquire land for the Upper Check Dam and associated roads, affecting villages across the area with varying parcel sizes. Separately, 49 parcels are earmarked for the Nyali Bridge-Mtwapa-Kwa Kadzengo-Kilifi Road project, overseen by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The NLC plans to delete eight parcels, add 19 others, and correct 22 previously adjusted ones.
NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi stated that these changes are being made on behalf of KeNHA. Community members and companies are directed to provide written claims, identification, and ownership documents for the hearings. These acquisitions underscore the government's push for infrastructure to drive national development, though they raise concerns over displacement and fair compensation for affected residents.