The National Land Commission (NLC) has issued notices for compulsory land acquisition in Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties to facilitate infrastructure development projects.
In a gazette notice dated October 16, 2026, the commission outlined plans to acquire land for a major road project in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, as well as a water supply project in Machakos County.
The notices require affected landowners and other interested parties to attend public inquiries and submit their compensation claims within the stipulated timelines.
NLC Targets Land for 124km Road Project
In Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, the commission plans to acquire community land for the construction of the 124-kilometre Barpello–Tot–Sigor–Marich Pass Road.
The project is being undertaken on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and is divided into three sections.
The first section covers 43 kilometres from Barpello (Moru) to Tot Junction. The second stretches 46 kilometres from Tot Junction through Chesegon to Kopasi River, while the final section covers 35 kilometres to Marich Pass.
The project is expected to improve road connectivity across the two counties and facilitate movement along the North Rift corridor.
Public Inquiries Scheduled for November
According to the notice, the NLC has scheduled public inquiries at chiefs' camps between November 10 and November 27, 2026.
The meetings will give affected residents and other interested parties an opportunity to raise concerns regarding the proposed land acquisition and compensation process.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, the affected locations include Chemonyo, Murtukwo, Ketut, Kibiriem, Koibirir and Talai, among other areas.
In West Pokot, the inquiries will cover Cheptelul, Kona, Lomut, Chester, Sigor and Marich Pass.
The commission indicated that the exact areas earmarked for acquisition were yet to be determined.
Documents Required for Compensation Claims
Residents and other people with an interest in the affected land have been directed to submit written compensation claims before their respective inquiry dates.
The required documents include national identification documents, KRA PIN details, land ownership records and bank account information.
The process will allow the commission to consider claims from people whose interests may be affected by the proposed acquisition.
NLC to Acquire Land for Water Project in Machakos
Separately, the NLC intends to acquire 0.0678 hectares of land belonging to Muka Mukuu Farmers Co-operative Society in Machakos County.
The land will be used for the Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project, which is being implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
The proposed acquisition covers a parcel located in Donyosabuk/Donyo Sabuk West Block and will be carried out under Section 110 of the Land Act.
The commission has scheduled a public inquiry for November 4, 2026, at the Donyo Sabuk Chief's Office, beginning at 10 a.m.
Interested parties will have an opportunity to raise concerns about the acquisition and compensation arrangements.
Government Expands Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
The water project falls under AWWDA's 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which is backed by an estimated KSh206 billion investment aimed at expanding access to water and sanitation services.
The agency's planned infrastructure includes transmission pipelines, sewer networks and major water storage projects intended to improve service delivery across its areas of operation.
The latest notices outline the government's plans to secure land needed for road and water infrastructure, with public inquiries forming part of the process for addressing the interests of affected parties.