(Mokowe) – Civil society leaders and local community representatives have urged the National Land Commission (NLC) to resolve land disputes along the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport) Corridor. The calls aim to ensure fair compensation and the issuance of title deeds to squatters and landowners displaced by the massive infrastructure project.
The LAPSSET Corridor, a multi-billion-dollar initiative designed to enhance regional economic development, has sparked land ownership tensions among communities affected by its construction. At least 3,000 squatters from areas such as Roka, Kililana, Mashunduani, and Bodhei face landlessness due to unresolved compensation issues, according to Salim Said, Lamu Coordinator for Natural Justice.
“The construction of the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road is now 60% complete, but compensation for affected landowners remains unresolved,” said Said, emphasizing that delays in addressing these disputes threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Criticism has also been leveled at the government for extending infrastructure development beyond the agreed 100-meter cutline to 500 meters into community land. Said termed this as a “clear violation of land demarcation laws” and called for adherence to legal frameworks.
| Key Issues Along LAPSSET Corridor | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Areas | Roka, Kililana, Mashunduani, Bodhei |
| Number of Displaced Squatters | At least 3,000 |
| Construction Progress (Lamu Road) | 60% Complete |
| Compensation Status | Pending |
Leaders from affected communities echoed the concerns. Boni community leader, Diza Doza, highlighted frustrations over encroachments on ancestral lands and lack of transparency in compensation efforts. “Our people have already been displaced, and we are working with stakeholders to ensure fair treatment,” Doza said.
Save Lamu Secretary General, Mohammed Athman, stressed the need for swift government intervention. “We are compiling a detailed list of affected individuals in counties like Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, and Samburu to demand fair compensation,” he said.
Lamu Women Representative, Muthoni Marubu, reassured her commitment to advocating for those displaced. She underlined the importance of securing title deeds for communities to prepare them for the economic changes that the LAPSSET Corridor will bring.
Civil society groups and local leaders agree that resolving these disputes is critical to safeguarding the rights of communities and ensuring equitable development benefits.