Kenya initiates land acquisitions for major highway and toll road projects

The National Land Commission (NLC) has initiated land acquisitions for major highway projects in Kenya. In Kiambu County, the NLC is acquiring 13 parcels of land, totaling approximately 0.62 hectares, for the expansion of the James Gichuru Junction-Rironi Highway (A8). The affected areas include Uthiru, Kinoo, and Kangemi in Dagoretti; Rironi in Limuru; and Gitaru in Muguga.

Simultaneously, the State is conducting emergency land purchases for the Sh183.7 billion Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit toll road project. Design changes, including the addition of multiple interchanges, bridges, and underpasses, have necessitated these acquisitions in Kijabe, Limuru, Kirenga, and Naivasha.

To avoid project delays, the government is utilizing an ‘early entry’ arrangement, which allows authorities to access and use property before formal transfers or final compensations are completed. NLC Chairman Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy has listed approximately 25 hectares for compulsory purchase across Kiambu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties. These design variations are expected to cause slight adjustments to the final project budget.