The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), in association with Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), on Tuesday, March 18, began evicting Kenyans illegally living on wayleave land across various parts of the country.
In a statement, the company announced that they would be carrying out the exercise in collaboration with various other institutions including; the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Railways Corporation.
According to KPC, this move was in a bid to safeguard communities living along the pipeline right of way from potential hazards resulting from human activity close to and atop the oil pipeline.
As the evictions kicked off in Embakasi, Nairobi, on Tuesday, KPC's Pipeline Wayleave Manager Stanley Manduku emphasised that it was necessary for the welfare of the squatters.
"While regrettable, evicting the illegal settlers is necessary to avert potential catastrophes like oil spills or fires that could occur if the pipeline is compromised," he stated.
"KPC has followed all legal procedures and the evictions are underpinned by a court ruling. We have also sought alternative dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to evictions as a last recourse."
Reportedly, the communities living in these areas had been consulted extensively through public barazas and had been notified more than once of the imminent evictions.
Manduku also noted that the national and county government officials had been notified of the impending evictions and urged to ensure that the process took place without escalation of tensions or violence.
The Nairobi Deputy County Commissioner is among the officials involved in the planning process and will be leading the eviction exercise in Nairobi to ensure calm is maintained.
"We are committed to carrying out these evictions humanely and peacefully, with utmost respect for human dignity. Our close collaboration with local leaders and security agencies will ensure the process is conducted professionally," Manduku remarked.
This eviction is expected to affect hundreds of households across the country who have reportedly encroached on pipeline land over the past 25 years.
For a long-term solution, KPC has also expressed plans to erect perimeter fences and enhance surveillance along the wayleaves to deter future encroachment.
