Landowners to surrender 5,000 acres for Naivasha-Kisumu SGR line

Joel Ombati Nyamweya, director of valuation and taxation at the National Land Commission (NLC), assured land owners of transparent and fair compensation.

“We will acquire more than 5,000 acres of land for this SGR project. Most of these parcels are concentrated within Kisumu County,” he said.

Kenya plans to construct a 263.7-kilometre SGR line from Naivasha to Kisumu. The proposed SGR Phase 2B project will involve the construction of a line to begin at the terminus of the Nairobi–Naivasha SGR and pass through Narok, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero before terminating in Kisumu.

A plan by KRC shows that Phase 2B of the SGR project will include modifications of the Kisumu port, including an 8km branch line. It will also entail the construction of two multi-purpose berths (and associated facilities) and workboat berths so as to accommodate the safe lying of ships.

A recent disclosure by the National Treasury said that the government is set to contribute Sh47.55billion towards the total estimated cost of extending the SGR from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba on the Ugandan border, with a big chunk of the amount expected to be spent on land acquisition.

A report published by the National Treasury estimates that construction of the SGR —currently stopping abruptly in Suswa, a small town in Narok County— will cost approximately Sh502.9 billion. President William Ruto’s government expects to secure most of the financing, about Sh455.35 billion, from undisclosed foreign investors.

Taxpayers are estimated to have paid Sh30.2 billion for the acquisition of 4,600 hectares along the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR line, translating into a purchase price of Sh6,565,217 per acre by the government through the NLC.

Flawed preparations

The Commission delegated payment of billions of shillings in land compensation to KRC amid claims of flawed reparations. The money was disbursed through the Rail Development Levy.

Mr Nyamweya said that to boost transparency, the NLC will deploy digital data collection systems and establish ground committees to address emerging disputes.

“The NLC, in consultation with the Ministry of Lands, will conduct a final survey of the affected land and produce survey maps and title documents in favour of the acquiring body, KRC. Upon taking possession and payment of full compensation, the land shall vest in KRC absolutely, free from encumbrances,” he told a consultative meeting between officials from the Commission, KRC, and local leaders led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.

KRC managing director Phillip Mainga said that the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR project is expected to be completed by June 2027, subject to timely access to land and resolution of logistical challenges.

“We anticipate the works will take approximately 12 months and be completed by June 2027, depending on various factors, including how quickly we secure access to the land. We have already commenced ground inspections along the proposed route,” he said.