Lamu Civic Society Threatens to Take Action Against LAPSSET Over Compensation Delays
By Fumo Mzalendo
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
A local civil society group, Save Lamu, has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) for failing to compensate hundreds of landowners impacted by the construction of the 570-kilometer Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road.
Mohamed Athman, Save Lamu secretary general, criticised the government’s inaction despite numerous appeals from indigenous communities, local leaders, and civil society groups.
“The national government, despite several meetings and assurances, has continued building the Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road without offering a single coin to the affected landowners since the project commenced in mid-202.”
The road, being constructed by the Chinese Communication Construction Company, is slated for completion later this year (2025).
However, there are concerns that a lengthy legal battle could significantly delay the operationalisation of the crucial LAPSSET corridor, which aims to connect Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Save Lamu intends to file the lawsuit on February 15, 2025 aiming to hold the government accountable for what they describe as an “unfair practice” of advancing mega infrastructure projects at the expense of local communities.
“It is unfortunate that the national government has chosen to run circles around its citizens, especially those long marginalized from national development.”
He expressed disappointment that those communities were losing their parcels of land without any compensation.
The group’s legal efforts are bolstered by past successes, including securing a Ksh1.76 billion compensation for fishermen and halting the construction of the Amu Coal Plant in 2019 through court rulings.
On his part, Save Lamu chair Somo bin Somo criticized the slow pace of addressing community concerns claiming it was causing untold pain and suffering to many an affected people.
“The LAPSSET corridor issue has lingered too long, and it’s time for action,” he said adding that the lawsuit was not intended to disrupt the project, but to ensure justice is not further delayed for those affected from Kwasasi through Lamu, Ijara, Garissa to Turkana.
In response, LAPSSET corridor development authority chief executive officer Simon Ikua acknowledged the delays in compensation, but assured that the government would act appropriately ‘soon’.
He noted that the national government had always insisted that the LAPSSET project would continue despite the compensation issues being a major obstacle although the primary beneficiaries of the mega infrastructure would those affected once the road rail and pipeline become fully operational.
“It’s only a matter of time before such action is raised by the affected communities,” Ikua added reiterating that compensation is on the agenda and will be addressed.
