The government has set aside Sh25 billion to pay people whose land and property will be affected by the building of the Narok-Bomet-Kisumu section of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The news was shared on social media, and it has got many Kenyans talking about what it means for families living along the route.
The railway is one of the biggest projects in the country right now. The Naivasha-Kisumu section is about 264 kilometres long and will start at Emurtoto in Narok County before ending in Kisumu. Along the way, it will pass through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho and Kisumu counties, with stations in places like Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu and Ahero. For many people in these areas, that means their farms, plots and homes are now in the path of the line.
Compensation has always been the hard part of big projects like this. Over the years, many Kenyans have complained that they were paid too little, or that they waited a long time before getting anything at all. So an announcement of this size will be welcomed by the affected families, but many of them will be waiting to see whether the money actually reaches the right people and on time.
Work on the ground has already started in some places. Kenya Railways has said the land acquisition process is underway, with gazettement, inspection and valuation of affected parcels still going on. The National Land Commission is also expected to handle payments, and it has told residents that they will be fairly compensated and will benefit from the project once it is complete.
The photo that came with the post shows what the project looks like on the ground right now. Trucks, an excavator and other heavy machines are busy moving soil on a wide stretch of dry land, while a group of officials in reflective vests walk through the site and look at the work.
Residents are being told to stay patient and to keep their documents safe, especially title deeds and valuation records. Those who feel they have been left out or undervalued are advised to follow the proper channels and not rely on rumours shared online.
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