Kenya Railways Moves In: Land Inspections Begin for Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR
Epaper Online | Infrastructure & Development
5 October 2026
By News Desk
Kenya Railways (KR), in collaboration with the National Land Commission (NLC), has commenced land inspection activities in Ilmashariani Village, Lower Melili Location, Narok County, as preparations for the construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project advance.
The exercise follows Gazette Notice No. 14142, Vol. CXXVIII, No. 158, published in Nairobi on 4 September 2026, through which the NLC gave notice of its intention to acquire land required for the major railway project.
The inspection exercise began on Thursday, 1 October 2026, and involves the individual assessment of land belonging to each Project Affected Person (PAP) to establish the exact portion affected by the proposed railway development.
Teams are documenting developments on the affected properties, including buildings, trees, fences and other improvements. The information gathered will form the basis for the subsequent valuation and determination of compensation.
The exercise has brought together PAPs, village elders and other stakeholders, with Kenya Railways and NLC officials explaining the land acquisition process and providing guidance on the procedures involved in assessing affected properties.
Affected landowners have also been given an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and seek clarification regarding their properties and the acquisition process.
Following completion of the inspections, the documented information will be submitted for valuation. Eligible PAPs will then be compensated in accordance with the applicable legal and administrative procedures.
The ongoing exercise marks a key stage in the preparation of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR project, with authorities seeking to ensure that affected land and developments are accurately recorded before compensation is determined.
The project is expected to further advance Kenya’s railway connectivity and strengthen transport links towards western Kenya and the Malaba border.
