Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow speaking during the Lands Committee chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamache on the expansion of Wajir Airport at Bunge Towers on August 25, 2026/DOUGLAS OKIDDYMPS on Tuesday put Aviation and Aerospace Development PS Teresiah Mbaika on the spot over the delayed compensation of landowners affected by the planned expansion of Wajir Airport.
Mbaika appeared before the National Assembly Lands Committee, chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, where she struggled to explain why the government had taken more than a decade to resolve the matter.
Wajir county MP Fatuma Jehow demanded answers, saying residents wanted the dispute resolved to pave the way for the expansion of the airport, which she described as a critical security installation.
Jehow said she was aware of meetings held in 2014 and 2024 to discuss the matter, but little progress had been made.
“I am very disappointed by the answers the Principal Secretary is giving over why there is a delay of compensation of land owners around Wajir Airport,” Jehow said.
“Our people need to know whether there is really a plan to expand it or not.”
As a result, residents have protested, demanding compensation for their land.
The MP said residents had also petitioned President William Ruto to construct a civilian terminal at the airport, which is controlled by the military.
She said this would separate civilian operations from military activities and ease the intense security measures imposed on residents because of the military presence.
However, Mbaika told the committee that the government was not seeking to expand the airport into privately owned land.
She said the airport expansion project was estimated to cost Sh746 million and that the government currently did not require additional land.
Jehow disputed the explanation, saying residents had demonstrated over claims of compulsory acquisition of their land.
She accused the PS of misleading the committee and challenged her to admit if she did not have the answers required by MPs.
“I am very disappointed by the answers the Principal Secretary is giving over why there is a delay of compensation of land owners around Wajir Airport so that it can be expanded, our people need to know whether really there is a plan to expand it or not,” Jehow said.
Mbaika said the airport, which serves both military and civilian users, had recently undergone improvements ahead of this year's Madaraka Day celebrations hosted in Wajir.
She said the government was committed to addressing concerns raised by residents.
Garissa Town MP Dekow Barrow said Garissa and Mandera airstrips faced similar challenges. He called for the committee to visit the region and establish the situation on the ground.
Barrow said MPs should not rely solely on explanations from officials appearing before them.
Kenya Airports Authority managing director Moses said 566.4 hectares, a parcel he said was enough for the airport.
He told the committee that plans were underway to demarcate access to the airport and create separate facilities for military and civilian users.
“There is a civilian runway but access to the airport is subject to military security checks,” Wekesa said.
Wekesa said local leaders and residents had requested the arrangement.
He noted that several airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International and Moi International airports, have military bases.
Wajir, Garissa and Lodwar airports also have a significant military presence because of their strategic locations.
On the disputed land, Wekesa said the government faced documentation challenges.
“We would like to inform Parliament that the land in question in Wajir Town does not have title deeds. Therefore, the Kenya Airports Authority does not have the requisite documents,” he said.
He added that the government was committed to resolving the matter amicably.
Nyamoko directed Mbaika to return before the committee after MPs established that she did not have sufficient answers on the land and expansion plans.
The chair also criticised Environment PS Festus Ngeno for failing to appear before the committee to respond to environmental concerns surrounding the airport.
Ngeno had sent a letter on the eve of the meeting explaining his absence.
“We are not going to allow the officials sent by the Environment Principal Secretary to make any presentation,” Nyamoko said.
He directed Ngeno to appear before the committee at a later date and provide answers on the environmental issues.
