The government has launched the inquiry phase for the compulsory acquisition of 96 parcels of land required for the construction of the new Nithi Bridge.
This happened as the government assured affected landowners that compensation will be processed fairly and without unnecessary delays.
Speaking during a public sensitisation forum at the Muthambi Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner, David Gitonga, said the inquiry marks a critical milestone in implementing the Sh7billion bridge project, which is expected to improve safety along the Meru–Nairobi highway.
Gitonga said the inquiry will run from August 5 to August 17, during which the National Land Commission (NLC) will hear claims from affected landowners before compensation is finalized.
“The process is progressing well. The contractor is already on site, and we are now at one of the most critical stages of land acquisition. Once valuation is completed and compensation is determined, the government will proceed with acquiring the affected land,” he said.
The County Commissioner said residents had responded positively to the sensitisation exercise, describing the engagement as constructive and cooperative.
Director of Valuation and Taxation at the National Land Commission, Joel Ombati Nemuya, said the exercise sought to sensitize affected residents on the progress of land acquisition, consult them on their concerns and issue additional early-entry notices to facilitate commencement of some construction works.
Nemuya said the inquiry is being conducted under Section 112 of the Land Act, which requires the Commission to determine the rightful owners of the affected land and establish the interests and claims eligible for compensation.
“This is one of the most important stages of compulsory land acquisition because it enables the Commission to determine who should be compensated and the interests that qualify for compensation,” he said.
He said residents raised concerns relating to land ownership, tenure and boundary disputes, all of which were addressed during the meeting.
Nemuya also explained that the Commission had begun serving affected landowners with Kenya Gazette notices announcing the inquiry.
He said the gazette notice is a legal requirement intended to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the compulsory land acquisition process.
“The first gazette notice communicated the government’s intention to acquire the land for a public purpose. This notice is to inform affected persons that the Commission is conducting an inquiry to determine ownership rights and compensation claims,” he said.
According to the director, the notices had already been served on the Land Registrar and the County Commissioner before being issued to affected landowners and other interested parties.
He added that additional early-entry notices had been issued after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) indicated that the new bridge will stand about 100 metres above the ground, making it necessary to access some sections of land early to begin construction of the bridge’s support columns.
“The contractor requires early access so that construction of the columns can begin in time and the project is completed within the planned schedule,” he said.
Nemuya appealed to residents to support the project, noting that although they would surrender land for the development, the bridge would serve the wider public interest by enhancing road safety and improving transport connectivity.
He assured affected landowners that compensation would be fair, adequate and in accordance with the law.
“We want to fast-track the process so that compensation is paid as soon as possible. Every affected person will be compensated appropriately as provided by law,” he said.
Gitonga thanked residents for cooperating with government officials throughout the exercise and dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the project.
“There are people spreading misinformation that the government is not doing anything. We want them to come and see for themselves that this is a government project and it will be implemented as promised,” he said.
The County Commissioner also acknowledged concerns raised by some residents over pending compensation from previous projects in the area and assured the government would work with the National Land Commission and the relevant road agency to follow up the outstanding cases.
He urged residents to continue supporting the project and cooperate with officials to ensure its successful implementation.
