A local civil society group, Save Lamu, has announced plans to file a class action lawsuit against the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) for failing to compensate hundreds of landowners impacted by the construction of the 570-kilometre Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road.
Mohamed Athman, the Secretary General of Save Lamu, while addressing the media today, highlighted 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-2021,” Athman averred.
The road, constructed by the Chinese Communication Construction Company, is slated for completion later this year.
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 stated that they will go to court on February 15, 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 around in circles around its citizens, especially those long marginalised from national development,” Athman lamented, stressing that these communities are losing their land without compensation.
The group’s legal efforts are bolstered by past successes, including securing a Sh1.76 billion compensation claim for fishermen and halting the construction of the Amu Coal Plant in 2019 through court rulings.
Echoing Athman’s sentiments, Save Lamu Chairman Somo bin Somo criticised the slow pace of addressing community concerns.
“The LAPSSET corridor issue has lingered too long, and it is time for action,” he stressed, adding that the lawsuit is not intended to disrupt the project but to ensure justice is not delayed further for those affected from Kwasasi through Lamu, Ijara, and Garissa, and extending to Turkana.
In response, LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority CEO Simon Ikua acknowledged the delays in compensation but assured that the government recognises the need for action.
He further noted that the national government has always insisted that the LAPSSET project affected persons, despite the compensation issues being a major obstacle, will be the primary beneficiaries of the mega infrastructure projects 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 admitted, reiterating that compensation is on the agenda and will be addressed.
By Amenya Ochieng
