NLC Moves to Acquire Land in Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot

The National Land Commission has announced compulsory land acquisition in three counties for infrastructure projects. A gazette notice dated October 16 lists a road project and a water supply project.

The acquisition covers a 124km road linking Barpello, Tot, Sigor and Marich Pass in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot. The Kenya National Highways Authority will carry out the project through three sections.

The first section runs 43km from Barpello (Moru) to Tot Junction. The second stretches 46km from Tot Junction through Chesegon to Kopasi River.

The third section covers 35km to Marich Pass. Affected communities will attend compensation inquiries in November 2026.

Public Inquiries in November

The commission will hold public inquiries at chiefs' camps from November 10 to 27, 2026. Residents can raise concerns about the acquisition and their compensation there.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, the commission lists Chemonyo, Murtukwo, Ketut, Kibiriem, Koibirir and Talai as unregistered community land. In West Pokot, inquiries will cover Cheptelul, Kona, Lomut, Chester, Sigor and Marich Pass.

The commission has not yet determined which West Pokot areas it will acquire. Affected residents must submit their claims before the inquiry dates.

Documents Residents Must Bring

Residents and other interested parties must file written compensation claims. They must also provide identification documents, KRA PIN details, land ownership records and bank account information.

The commission also plans to acquire 0.0678 hectares from Muka Mukuu Farmers Co-operative Society in Machakos County. The land will serve the Mwala Cluster Water Supply project.

The Athi Water Works Development Agency will receive the land under Section 110 of the Land Act. The affected parcel sits in the Donyosabuk/Donyo Sabuk West Block.

The commission will hold an inquiry on November 4 at Donyo Sabuk Chief's Office from 10 am. Interested parties can raise concerns about the acquisition and compensation there.

AWWDA's Wider Plans

The agency is implementing its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, backed by an estimated Ksh206 billion investment. The plan aims to expand water and sanitation access across its service areas.

It targets 461,000 cubic meters per day in additional water storage. It also aims to add 318,500 cubic meters per day in treatment capacity.

The agency plans over 443 kilometres of transmission pipelines and 880 kilometres of sewer networks. Projects include Thiririka Dam, Maragua 4 Dam and Northern Collector Tunnel II.