Group to be paid for rail project land in Syokimau named

Compensation row over a 168 acre piece of land in Syokimau, Nairobi has finally been solved by the National Land Commission (NLC), paving way for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line construction to continue.

The row was sparked by 28 different groups that claimed ownership of the land, bringing to halt construction of the SGR line.

But NLC Chairman Mohammed Swazuri on Wednesday announced that the DarfurDupoto Welfare Society will be compensated.

Mr Swazuri, who met members of the society in Syokimau, however said the original owner of the land is not known.

“There is controversy and confusion whether the land is a government land or if it’s a trust land,” he said.

CORRUPTION

Different groups and individuals largely of the Indian community are said to have presented title deeds to the commission, with most of them failing to explain how they acquired the documents.

Some groups claim to have been given documents by the Ministry of Lands while the DarfurDupoto Welfare Society claimed to have legal documents from both the national government and allotment letters from the then Nairobi City council.

Mr Swazuri attributed the confusion to corruption, greed and historical land injustices by past regimes that took advantage of unsuspecting Kenyans but promised to follow the law to ensure justice is served.

“It will be wrong for the government to take the land without paying but we have to listen to everyone who claims ownership because that is what the law requires,” he added.

Mr Nick Ndeda, the lawyer representing the society his clients were satisfied with the findings.

“It’s is a good move because the legitimate owners of the land will be compensated and that is what matters,” Mr Ndeda said.

Langata MP Joash Olum asked the government to prosecute those found to have used fake title deeds to claim ownership of the land.