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Tag: Compensation

  • KeNHA releases Ksh 4.3B to fast-track Mombasa-Kilifi road project

    KeNHA releases Ksh 4.3B to fast-track Mombasa-Kilifi road project

    The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has released Ksh 4.3 billion to the National Land Commission (NLC) for compensation of persons affected by Bagamoyo–Tanga–Horohoro road project.

    Funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya at a cost of Ksh 15 billion, the project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and stimulate tourism once completed.

    The compensation is expected to pave the way for contractors to accelerate works on the project, which had slowed due to land acquisition challenges.

    KeNHA Deputy Director and Project Coordinator Eng. Cleophas Makau said during a project inspection that the NLC had undertaken valuation of the PAPs and that Ksh 3.15 billion had already been disbursed for land compensation.

    “The National Land Commission is progressing with the compensation of the PAPs. They have done quite a lot of compensation. I am sure you are seeing people who have been compensated,” said Eng. Makau.

    “We have also given them time to remove their material. Those who have buildings are demolishing the buildings themselves so that they can salvage the materials for use elsewhere. Therefore, even when we pay them, we give them notice,” he added.

    The project is divided into two lots: Lot 1 covers the Nyali Bridge–Mtwapa Bridge section, while Lot 2 covers the Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi section, with each costing Ksh 7.5 billion.

    Lot 2, covering the Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi section, is now 75 per cent complete. The project, which commenced in 2021, had experienced delays due to land acquisition challenges and is expected to be completed in March 2027.

    The scope includes construction of a dual carriageway from the new Mtwapa Bridge to Kwa Kadzengo, upgrading the existing road to Kilifi Bridge, and developing key infrastructure including the Mtwapa roundabout bridge, Mbogolo River Bridge, a weighbridge with access roads, a market at Takaungu, and three spur roads at Ronald Ngala, Shariani and Takaungu.

    Construction of a new 347-metre dual carriageway bridge at Shimo la Tewa Creek in Mtwapa is also progressing steadily and is currently 47pc complete. The bridge will replace the existing single carriageway bridge.

    “The existing one will remain there for purposes of being used as a service road because in Mtwapa we will have service roads,” said Eng. Makau.

    Lot 1, which commenced in November 2022, is currently 56pc complete and is expected to be completed in August 2027.

    The scope of work includes construction of a four-lane dual carriageway, service roads, six grade-separated junctions, six footbridges, and facilities for non-motorised transport from Nyali Bridge to the start of Mtwapa Bridge.

    Additionally, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system will be developed to address flooding, while the County Government of Mombasa will provide land for the expansion of Kongowea Market.

    Eng. Makau said the project also includes the construction of markets in Kilifi and Mombasa counties.

    “We believe this will go a long way in enhancing the capacity of the counties in accommodating traders. Alongside the road, we also have a training component for unemployed youth within the counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale,” said Eng. Makau.

    Through the project’s Corporate Social Responsibility component, more than 500 youth have been trained in various skills programmes and have since graduated.

    Eng. Makau noted that the contractor has completed the single carriageway from Kilifi to Kwa Kadzengo and three kilometres of the dual carriageway from Kwa Kadzengo to Majengo in Mtwapa.

    “The section that is remaining right now is just the urbanised area of Mtwapa, which we are addressing by sorting out the compensation required to relocate traders from the road and also widen the right of way within Mtwapa because the road in Mtwapa will be a dual carriageway plus service roads.”

    On Lot 1, he explained that the contractor has completed the dual carriageway up to City Mall, four interchanges, and a U-turn at Bamburi.

  • NLP demands Ksh 70M compensation to victims of violence in Mwingi

    NLP demands Ksh 70M compensation to victims of violence in Mwingi

    The National Liberal Party is demanding that the Government pay Ksh 5 million to each of the 14 bereaved families in Mwingi North for what it calls the State’s failure to protect life. 

    Speaking at Nguni Market in Mwingi Central, NLP Secretary General Omondi K’Oyoo, on behalf of Party Leader Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, said the families of victims deserve compensation under Article 26 of the Constitution.

    NLP insists only President William Ruto can declare Mwingi North a National Security Emergency under Article 58, deploy the Kenya Defence Forces to secure the Tseikuru–Ukasi corridor, and order the arrests of the attackers.

    Hon. K’Oyoo told families gathered at Kyuso Level 4 Hospital Mortuary that the party stands with them, and warned that peace without arrests is surrender, and peace without justice is a lie.

    Dr. Muli has written officially written to the President as the Commander in Chief demanding the immediate declaration of the situation in Mwingi a National emergency.

  • State releases Ksh 950M to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict

    State releases Ksh 950M to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict

    The National Government has released Ksh 950 million to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict across the country.

    Speaking at Ndolele area in Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County, during a meeting with residents, Senior KWS Assistant Director for the Eastern Conservation Area, John Wambua, confirmed that the funds have already been disbursed.

    He said the compensation will benefit individuals who reported incidents and duly filled in all the required compensation forms.

    Wambua further noted that Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is constructing a 42-kilometre electric fence around Meru National Park to curb the movement of elephants and other wild animals into residential areas.

    He urged victims of human-wildlife conflict who have not yet submitted their bank details to do so at the nearest KWS warden offices.

    He clarified that compensation is processed by the government, not KWS, and that payments are made directly to victims’ bank accounts.

    Jacob Ouma, the Meru County Commissioner and Chairperson of the County Conservation and Compensation Committee, called on residents to provide accurate information when reporting incidents and filling out compensation forms.

    He warned that exaggerating the extent of damage or inflating property values could lead to disqualification from compensation.

    Residents Jeffrey Mugambi and John Kirimi appealed to KWS to support nearby public schools through corporate social responsibility initiatives, including drilling boreholes to address water shortages in the dry area.

    They also urged the management of Meru National Park to consider offering educational tours or free park visits to top-performing pupils from neighbouring public schools, to help them appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation.

  • Ruto: Govt streamlining compensation for human-wildlife conflict

    Ruto: Govt streamlining compensation for human-wildlife conflict

    The Government is streamlining compensation for human-wildlife conflict to ensure prompt payment for affected individuals, President William Ruto has said.

    The President said Kenyans will no longer wait for up to eight years to be compensated under the revised scheme.

    He pointed out that allocations for compensation have increased allocations to pay current claims and pending bills.

    He explained that in the past two years, the government has paid the victims of human-wildlife conflict a whopping Ksh 2.8 billion. But for nearly 10 years between 2013 and 2022, only Ksh 2.7 billion was paid.

    “We want to ensure Kenyans are paid within the shortest time possible. This is why we have migrated the scheme from a manual to a digital platform,” he said.

    President Ruto made the remarks during the launch of Ksh 950 million third phase compensation payments for this financial year at Meru National Park.

    He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Tourism and Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, MPs, MCAs and other leaders.

    The President also announced that, from now on, all reports of loss resulting from wildlife, including human life, crop destruction, and injuries, should be completed within 90 days.

    “Government, he said, should work towards ensuring that we pay the victims of human-wildlife conflict within four months,” he said.

    The President emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that Kenyans enjoy the benefits of wildlife so that they actively participate in conservation efforts.

    “Citizens must see the benefits of wildlife,” he said.

    Meanwhile, he also launched the Wildlife Conservation Prepaid Card, an innovative financial tool designed to directly support wildlife conservation.

    The initiative, a partnership between the State Department of Wildlife and Kenya Commercial Bank, allows a portion of each transaction made by cardholders to be donated to the Wildlife Trust Fund, transforming ordinary spending into a force for good.

    The card is available in three tiers: Elephant, Lion, and Cheetah, donating Ksh 10, Ksh 5, and Ksh 3 for each purchase respectively.

    On the modernisation of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), President Ruto said the government was determined to enhance conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

    He said the government has hired 1,500 game rangers, who are now managing parks and making a significant and tangible impact.

    Last year, the government bought 100 cars for KWS. These vehicles are helping to manage and effectively reduce human-wildlife conflict.

    He pointed out that digitisation of park fees collection has enhanced transparency and accountability, resulting in increased revenue.

    “Two years ago, Ksh 5.3 billion was collected from our parks. Last year, courtesy of digitisation, the revenue rose to Ksh 7 billion. This year, I am told it will reach Ksh 7.5 billion,” he said.

    Additionally, the President said the government has extended wildlife fencing by 200km to fend off human-wildlife conflict.

    He directed the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to seek funds to erect a fence around Meru National Park.

    He also announced that Ksh 250 million has been allocated for the renovation of Meru Mulika Airstrip.

    As a result, the number of tourists in the Meru circuit will increase as will the building of hotels, revitalising tourism in the region and unlocking its full potential.

    The President said the government is working to increase tourism numbers in the country, citing the construction of the biggest conference facility in Kenya at Bomas in Nairobi.

    On healthcare, President Ruto once again urged Kenyans to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), pointing out that the programme is working and providing universal health coverage to the majority of Kenyans.

    “Those who have the means are paying according to their ability. However, the government is paying for those who aren’t able,” President Ruto pointed out.

    On education, the President said the government will hire 24,000 more teachers this financial year, bringing the total of teachers recruited since he became President to 100,000.

    At the same time, President Ruto cautioned Kenyans against engaging in petty and never-ending politics.

    He said the country cannot be developed through petty politics, but through programmes that transform the lives of Kenyans.

    “There are people who want to engage us in politics all day, every day. We tell them the time for politics will come. For now, let us focus on development,” he said.

    The President said he is focused on uniting Kenyans.

    He commended his deputy, Prof Kithure Kindiki, for being a dependable assistant who understands government programmes and initiatives.

    On his part, Prof Kindiki said Kenya’s wildlife is the envy of many nations, and commended President Ruto for championing wildlife conservation efforts to protect the country’s rich heritage.

    Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said under President Ruto’s leadership, Kenya has witnessed unprecedented support for ranger recruitment, conservancy development, and environmental restoration.

    She pointed out that local communities remain at the centre of conservation and conservancy efforts.