The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has issued an eviction notice targeting hundreds of residents in the Coastal region.
Through a notice dated Friday, June 17, Kenya Railways has given residents who have encroached on its land within Voi and Taita Taveta areas 14 days to move or face forceful eviction.
According to the statement, the eviction plan is aimed at paving way for the rehabilitation of the 127 kilometer line covering the listed areas.
"We wish to bring to the attention of all members of the public that the corporation intends to rehabilitate the 127 kms of Voi - Taita Taveta MGR Line," their notice reads in part.
"Two weeks (14 days) notice is hereby issued to all unauthorised persons who have encroached are living on and or operating along Voi - Taita Taveta MGR Line corridor to voluntarily vacate immediately or face forceful eviction upon expiry of this notice in order to give way for the planned revitalization exercise," the statement added.
Kenya Railways has further notified all traders with illegal structures within that line to also vacate within 14 days or face demolitions.
"Further take notice that any illegal structures found along the Voi - Taita Taveta MGR line will be demolished and removed at the encroacher's risk and cost."
This is part of the exercise by the government meant to improve infrastructural connections in the different parts of the country.
In Nairobi, thousands of traders were affected when Kenya Railways moved to reclaim some of its encroached lands including in Muthurwa and around Nyayo Stadium.
Undeveloped and unprotected public land has been grabbed in most parts of the country. Unoccupied private land has also been targeted for encroachment particularly on the Coast and in urban areas.
In Kenya, there are laws that guide the eviction process. Where a large group of people is involved, notices by private owners must be published in at least two newspapers with nationwide circulation.
In each of the cases, those targeted for eviction can move to court, which may confirm, vacate, alter or even suspend the notice. If confirmed, evictions must be done in the presence of government officials, be humane and respect rights to life and property.
The regulations to the Land Act prescribe fine details of the forms and the identification required of those to undertake evictions.
