FOR over a decade, the expansion of Malindi International Airport has stalled, leaving landowners in limbo and casting a shadow over the region’s development.
In 2011 and 2012, the government allocated Sh200 million to upgrade the airport terminal, construct a new control tower and rehabilitate the runways.
Further expansion included enlarging the apron to accommodate more aircraft, constructing a 7.5-kilometre perimeter fence and building a parking facility for 500 vehicles.
This would mean acquiring additional land from neighbouring communities.
The Kenya Airports Authority required approximately an additional 130 acres.
In 2017, the National Land Commission earmarked Sh424 million to compensate 189 landowners for acquisition of 74 acres adjacent to the airport.
But the work could not commence due to unresolved compensation issues.
The funds only covered compensation for structures, not the land itself, as NLC was yet to identify the rightful landowners.
The second phase of compensation was marred by ownership disputes..
Safari Kitsao, chairman of the affected residents, said some who had previously sold their land returned to stake fresh claims.
“Some individuals presented title deeds registered under company names but were unable to physically identify their parcels,” Kitsao said.
A private valuation commissioned by the residents assessed the 74 acres at Sh1.8 billion, valuing each acre at Sh25 million.
However, NLC contested this valuation and opted to conduct its own assessment.
RESIDENTS’ FRUSTRATIONS
Patience Nyale, who had lived on the land for 12 years before being compensated for structures in 2017 expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
Residents moved to court in 2022 after learning that there was a plan to lease airport premises. The Environment and Land Court in Malindi ruled in favour of the affected landowners, ordering KAA to compensate them before any leasing arrangements could proceed.
“When we were first compensated for structures, we were told that land compensation would follow within days. Seven years later, we are still waiting. The agony is immense because what we received was insufficient to buy alternative land and rebuild our lives,” Nyale lamented.
Some rightful beneficiaries had passed away, leaving their children and relatives to pursue compensation.
She urged NLC to speed up the process to provide closure to affected families.
Asma Mohamed, a resident who settled in the area in 2003 with her family, recounted how the compensation delays contributed to her husband’s deteriorating health.
“I bought my land from chairman Kitsao’s family and lived there until 2017 when we were evicted with promises of quick compensation. The little money I received for my structures was spent on hospital bills, and three years ago, I lost my husband,” Mohamed said.
She called on NLC to expedite the compensation process, emphasising that residents should receive their dues with interest for the years of delay.
Gordon Orimba, another resident, claimed there was manipulation.
“These individuals presented company-registered titles, yet they were not part of the original 189 affected landowners. We went to court, not them, yet they are now positioning themselves for payouts,” he claimed.
Vincent Mogaka, the lawyer representing the affected residents, said a splinter group allegedly forged signatures and attempted to disrupt the compensation process.
“The signature of one of my clients was forged to place her in a committee she does not belong to. She never signed anything, yet they insist she is part of their group,” Mogaka stated.
While 189 title deeds had been gazetted, only five contained specific numbers, he added, the rest were marked “To Be Determined.”
FINDING A RESOLUTION
Gershom Otachi, the NLC chair, his vice chair Gertrude Nguku and other officials conducted an inquiry in Malindi in a bid to finalise the compensation issue within 60 days.
They have engaged claimants, squatters and KAA officials to verify legitimate title holders before valuation and payments.
Some 218 individuals in two groups are awaiting possible compensation as NLC strives to ascertain rightful landowners, Otachi said.
“We are following a systematic approach, working closely with KAA and the relevant ministry to ensure funds are available. Once valuations are complete, we will finalise the first phase before moving to the second,” Otachi explained.
Nguku reiterated that the NLC’s mandate includes verifying claimants, particularly those who initially failed to submit documentation.
“Some individuals went to court before approaching us and the courts referred them back to NLC. We are now determining whether their claims are legitimate,” she said.
Otachi assured that the second
phase of compensation would be
completed before embarking on
further expansion plans.
