In a sweeping move to modernize Kenya’s road infrastructure, the National Land Commission (NLC) has announced the acquisition of more than 100 parcels of land across seven counties.
The acquisition, which targets parcels in Nairobi, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Kisii, Homa Bay, and Kakamega, comes as the government intensifies efforts to roll out major road improvement projects aimed at boosting connectivity, trade, and mobility nationwide.
The NLC, mandated to facilitate compulsory land acquisition for public development, issued notices to landowners in the affected areas, signaling the commencement of formal valuation and compensation processes.
The affected roads include strategic corridors like the Nairobi Eastern Bypass, Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya Road, the Nairobi Expressway link upgrades, and various bypasses in western Kenya. These upgrades are part of President William Ruto’s broader transport modernization plan under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
For residents and businesses in the path of development, the announcement has stirred mixed reactions. While many acknowledge the long-term economic benefits of the improved infrastructure, concerns around fair compensation and timely disbursement dominate public discourse.
Past acquisition efforts have often been marred by delays, disputes over land values, and allegations of irregularities, a history the NLC has vowed to avoid in this latest round.
NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi assured stakeholders that the process will be transparent, lawful, and just. “We are committed to upholding constitutional provisions and ensuring landowners receive prompt and fair compensation. These projects are key to unlocking economic potential and improving livelihoods,” he stated.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have already begun preliminary works on some of the earmarked roads, signaling an aggressive implementation timeline.
With construction expected to commence in the final quarter of 2025, the race to transform Kenya’s transport landscape is fully underway, promising smoother journeys and stronger economic linkages across the country.
