The National Land Commission (NLC) has reserved two parcels of land in Nairobi, measuring a combined 42 acres (17 hectares), for the Kenya Railways Corporation’s infrastructure projects.
In a gazette notice dated December 5, NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi said that the corporation will utilise the land, Block 41/237 and Block 41/236, for residents' use.
According to Otachi, Kenya Railways management shall, within the next 180 days, be required to submit a land use and management plan to the commission.
In the plan, the corporation will be required to outline how it will comply with land regulations, address environmental conservation considerations, provide regulated access to community livelihood areas, and secure wildlife corridors, while managing the land.
The management of the corporation shall also ensure that 10 per cent of the land is under tree or vegetation cover, safeguard resources such as water bodies and forests, develop an inventory of natural assets within the parcels, and submit an annual report to the commission.
"The management body shall not part with possession of the reserved land or any portion thereof without the written consent of the National Land Commission," the commission stated.
"Before undertaking any major development project, the management body shall conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in line with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 (EMCA)," it added.
Kenya Railways shall also be required to rehabilitate quarries and waste sites, recycle waste, adopt climate-smart emissions, and ensure compliance with Global Industry Practices (GIPs) for environmental and public health standards.
The corporation should also collaborate with surrounding communities for projects, so as to create income opportunities for residents.
Otachi further directed the corporation to ensure that it remits any statutory assessment that is payable to the county government for the land.
"The management body shall promote sustainable land use practices by facilitating coordination with public agencies operating on the land for optimal and efficient service delivery," Otachi said.
"The management body shall establish inclusive governance structures for conflict resolution and peace building, involving local leaders, women, and youth," he added.
