The National Lands Commission (NLC) has announced intentions to acquire parcels of land from Kenyans as the government looks to embark on the expansion of the Itugururu Airstrip in Tharaka Nithi County.
NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi in a gazzette notice dated Friday 27, issued the clarification that the Commission is planning to acquire the land on behalf of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) after previous erroneous communication indicated that NLC was planning to acquire the land on behalf of the Tharaka Nithi County Government.
“The National Land Commission on behalf of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) gives notice that the National Government intends to acquire the gazetted parcels of land for expansion of Itugururu Airstrip in Tharaka Nithi County” reads part of the statement.
The initial gazzette notice angered residents who misunderstood it to mean that the Tharaka Nithi County Government's funds were going to be used to initiate a national government project.
"My fellow Tharaka Nithi taxpayers, a County Government is not mandated to fund such a project," Charity Kagendi, an activist and a resident from the county communicated on her social media platforms in protest.
Itugururu Airstrip
The Itugururu Airstrip in Tharaka Nithi County, expected to cost Ksh 500 million, is anticipated to connect and boost the region's economic activities. This project will include a 1.2-kilometer runway, a terminal building, and other essential infrastructure, funded by the national government's aviation budget and local stakeholders.
The airstrip will improve connectivity and accessibility, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Local farmers and businesses will benefit from faster transportation, enhancing trade and reducing logistics costs. Additionally, the airstrip is expected to attract more tourists, boosting the local hospitality industry and creating jobs.
Expansion of the airstrip is also part of the government's plan to improve infrastructure and connect the Mt. Kenya East with other regions, effectively boosting economic activity.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has in the past stated that the expansion will be implemented in two years.
"We have 800 meters of the land but according to the KCAA, an airstrip should comprise 1.5 Kilometres and therefore we need 700 meters more to complete the project," the Governor stated in January while officiating the Public Participation Baraza for the proposed expansion.
More Land Acquisition
In the same gazzette notice released on Friday, NLC also announced that it had began hearings revolving around compensation for persons whose land will be acquired for the construction of the Meru- Mikinduri- Maua Road Project.
Persons expecting to be affected by the construction of raw and treated water gravity mains from Thika Dam to the Kigoro Treatment Plant to Gigiri Tanks are also in line for compensation.
