The National Land Commission (NLC) has commenced conducted the mandatory inquiries ahead of the compulsory land acquisition of land for the proposed realignment of the Homa Bay–Rongo Road, a key component of the planned expansion of Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay County.
The exercise began with a series of courtesy calls by the NLC Homa Bay County Coordinator, Ms. Violet Odawa, accompanied by the Commission’s valuation team and a Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) delegation led by Resident Engineer Eng. Ephraim Opuge.
The team met the Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Charles Mwayaya, before holding separate engagements with Deputy Governor Hon. Danish Onyango and the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Mr. Martin Opere, to brief the county leadership on the forthcoming inquiry process.
The meetings focused on strengthening coordination among the implementing agencies and creating public awareness ahead of the compulsory land acquisition exercise.
NLC has also scheduled a public sensitization forum at Kabunde Chief’s Camp to educate Project Affected Persons (PAPs) on the inquiry process.
The two-week inquiry will provide affected landowners and other stakeholders with information on the legal requirements for compulsory land acquisition, documentation needed for claims, valuation and compensation procedures, and the implementation of the road realignment project.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the exercise in a fair, transparent, and participatory manner while working closely with KeNHA and other stakeholders to facilitate the successful implementation of the strategic infrastructure project.