The government through the National Lands Commission (NLC) has announced plans to acquire land from Kenyans to facilitate the construction of the EAC Kenya – South Sudan Link Road (Kitale – Morpus) Road.
In a gazzette notice dated October 4, NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi announced that the commission on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will be acquiring 11 parcels of land to enable the roads agency embark on the ambitious project.
The agency is looking to acquire three parcels located in Kitale in Trans Nzoia County and another seven parcels in West Pokot County. The parcels vary in size ranging from 0.0037 hectares to 0.5421 hectares.
“The National Land Commission, on behalf of Kenya National Highways Authority, (KeNHA) gives notice that the National Government intends to acquire the below-listed parcels of land,” Otachi stated in the notice.
CS Alice Wahome interacting with officials from Trans Nzoia County on Monday, March 4, 2024
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Ministry of Lands
The NLC also communicated that plans for the affected land may be inspected during office hours at Ardhi House and at the National Land Commission’s county coordinator’s Office in West Pokot County.
The EAC Kenya – South Sudan Link Road, particularly the Kitale – Morpus section in northwestern Kenya, is part of the larger Kitale – Lodwar – Lokichogio – Nadapal/Nakodok road, which is intended to facilitate trade and movement between Kenya and South Sudan. The Kitale – Morpus section is a critical part of this route.
The government is keen on this project due to the pivotal role it will play in boosting economic growth by reducing transportation costs and improving access to markets and essential services and strengthening bilateral ties with South Sudan.
The road is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union (EU), the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Government of Kenya.
The tender for this project was floated in mid-2021, inviting bids for the construction and upgrading of the road. The tender period remained open until late 2021, after which the evaluation process commenced to select the most suitable contractors. The process towards ensuring the project’s completion is still ongoing.
However, despite the tender being floated years ago, the project has experienced numerous delays because of several factors including logistical issues.
President William Ruto’s administration has always championed road development arguing that government investment in road construction will expand access to economic opportunities, a key aspect in the president’s agenda.
According to President Ruto, roads will accelerate the country’s growth. During his campaign, Ruto committed to completing the construction of stalled road projects before commissioning new projects of a similar nature. The president maintains that it is important to have good roads that will facilitate the movement of goods and services which will in turn spur economic growth.
Speed limit sign at Southern Bypass in Nairobi County.
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KeNHA
