Pay us or we storm airport, warn Malindi landowners

Residents of Kwa Chocha in Malindi town, affected by Phase 1 of Malindi International Airport expansion and their lawyer Vincent Mogaka follow proceedings during a virtual mention of their case before the Compulsory Land Acquisition Tribunal /HANDOUT

For more than 15 years, residents of Kwa Chocha in Malindi have waited for compensation after being displaced to pave way for the expansion of Malindi International Airport. Now, their frustration is boiling over.

The more than 230 residents, uprooted from their ancestral land, say they have only received Sh423 million for demolished structures but are still owed Sh2.5 billion for the land itself. With no settlement in sight, they are warning they might be forced to reclaim what they lost.

Their lawyer, Vincent Mogaka, told the Compulsory Land Acquisition Tribunal during a virtual mention that the Kenya Airports Authority and the National Land Commission have no excuse for the delays.

“Sh2.5 billion is loose change for KAA, the biggest foreign exchange collector in East Africa. If there was commitment, this matter could be resolved in a week,” Mogaka said, noting that his clients were identified by NLC as far back as 2017.

The case, filed on August 19 by Pauline Kadzo and four others, accuses the respondents of dragging their feet and perpetuating suffering for hundreds of families. The tribunal, chaired by Nabil Orina, has directed all parties to file submissions ahead of an October 15 mention to set a ruling date.

But for the affected families, the courtroom delays translate into deep personal hardship. Many live in rented houses, unable to buy land or rebuild. Some have fallen into poverty, ill health, and despair.

“I have been telling members to wait for compensation, but now some are insisting we break the airport fence and return to our land. People are suffering,” said Charles Safari, chairman of the Malindi Airport Expansion Phase I group.

Others, like residents Asma Mohamed and Patience Nyale, spoke of unbearable conditions. “People are dying of stress and high blood pressure. Others cannot pay rent. Life has become unbearable,” Nyale said.

The dispute, marred by claims of irregularities and unexplained delays, has become a test of government credibility in managing land acquisition for development projects.

As the October 15 tribunal date approaches, tension continues to simmer. For the residents of Kwa Chocha, the wait has been far too long, and patience is wearing dangerously thin.