The National Lands Commission (NLC) has published the names of over 300 landlords who are set to be affected by the construction of the 220 Kilovolts transmission line in Kwale and Kilifi counties.
In a Gazette Notice published on Friday, February 23, NLC, acting on behalf of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), informed the landlords of the intention to construct a wayleave corridor on their parcels of land.
In particular, the landowners were notified that the plan would involve the construction of an electricity transmission line consisting of towers and conductors.
Further, the Commission added that the owners would be compensated for inconveniences caused during the construction process.
"Pursuance of sections 143, 144 and 146 of the Land Act, 2012, the National Land Commission on behalf of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) gives notice that the National Government intends to acquire a wayleave corridor on parcels of land listed below for the construction of 220KV Transmission line in Mariakani – Dongo Kundu 220 KV Transmission Line in Kwale/Kilifi counties," the notice read in part.
"This notice serves to inform the listed landowners of the plan to construct an electricity transmission line, a public project, consisting of the construction of towers and conductors overlying their land."
Landowners were further urged to forward their feedback on the project, whether in support or opposition, by writing to the Commission through box number P.O. Box 44417–00100, Nairobi.
"Plans for the affected land may be inspected during office hours at the following offices: National Land Commission, Ardhi House, 3rd floor Room 305, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi; KETRACO at Kawi House, South C, Nairobi, Kwale and Kilifi counties land offices," read the notice in part.
According to the notice, the majority of the landlords owned parcels measuring less than 1 hectare, save for a handful.
Some of the biggest landowners were a ranch with 60.49 hectares of land and a businessman who owned 1.18 hectares.
1.29 hectares belong to a resident identified as N.A.M and 13.82 hectares remain unadjudicated.
The project is part of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) connecting the Coast Region. The upcoming project will be essential in the provision of a reliable adequate power supply.
Following its completion, the transmission line will boost access to electricity which is part of President William Ruto's green energy drive across the country.
