Compensation gaps, court cases derail Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu road project
During an inspection visit to Mombasa, the committee learned that two court cases and a lack of funds have disrupted progress on the 11.9km project, jointly funded by the African Development Fund and the Government of Kenya.
The implementation of the Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu road project remains stalled due to land compensation delays and ongoing legal disputes, the National Assembly Committee on Implementation has revealed.
During an inspection visit to Mombasa, the committee learned that two court cases and a lack of funds have disrupted progress on the 11.9km project, jointly funded by the African Development Fund and the Government of Kenya.
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The committee noted that although construction is scheduled to be completed by September 2025, the compensation of affected residents remains a major stumbling block.
MPs were informed that this issue was central to a petition submitted to Parliament by Jomvu MP Bady Twalib, which triggered the committee's visit.
Eng Henry Gakuru, representing the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), said that a total of Sh5.3 billion had already been transferred to the National Land Commission (NLC) for payment to Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
“A total of 618 No. PAPs were identified along the road from Mombasa to Mariakani, with a total compensation amount being Sh5,324,943,181.58. KeNHA has transferred all the funds needed for compensation in the project to NLC for payments to PAP,” Gakuru said.
However, Gakuru noted that several payments had bounced due to inactive bank accounts provided by some beneficiaries, making it difficult to complete the process.
This issue raised concerns among committee members, who demanded accountability and transparency in the compensation process.
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje and his counterpart Memusi Kanchory from Kajiado Central stressed the sensitivity surrounding land compensation across the country.
They asked the Chair to summon both KeNHA and NLC to appear jointly before the committee and verify the payments made. The Chair, MP Raphael Wanjala, agreed and issued the directive.
The committee also heard concerns from MP Cynthia Muge about the health effects caused by excessive dust along the road.
She urged KeNHA to urgently address the situation, warning that the dust could lead to respiratory illnesses among area residents.
The committee concluded the session by granting KeNHA three months to finalise the project.
Members committed to returning for another inspection to ensure full implementation of the House directive.
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