Kilifi residents demand compensation from KETRACO over unsettled land dues

A section of residents from Sosoni village in Jilore Ward, Kilifi County, have threatened legal action against the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) for allegedly failing to settle their wayleave compensation dues.

The residents issued a 14-day ultimatum to KETRACO on Friday, demanding the payment of compensation for their land and property along the Kakuyuni-Weru section of the proposed Malindi-Kilifi 82.5 Kilovolt transmission line.

Some residents have already started reconstructing houses on the proposed project land, while others are building new structures, despite advice from both the company and local administrators to refrain from doing so. This is after allegedly waiting for more than five years for compensation.

Mumba Mwagandi Ngala, a resident, stated that locals grew tired of KETRACO’s alleged lies and had no choice but to seek legal redress to compel the company to either pay up or allow the residents to move on with their lives.

Elias Katana Kadzeha, on his part, urged the company to expedite the compensation process and make the payments, warning that if delays continue, a new valuation of the land and other property will be necessary once the residents begin new developments.

Edward Kingi, who has been leading the charge in fighting for the residents' rights, has gathered evidence, including an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and an Evaluation Report.

He stated that he is prepared to seek legal action if KETRACO fails to meet the residents' demands within the given timeframe.

A valuation report seen by the Kenya News Agency indicates that compensating property owners along the entire proposed transmission line would cost KETRACO more than Ksh.697.14 million, with property owners in Jilore set to receive over Ksh.142.3 million.