By Reporter
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-kilometer Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road.
Mohamed Athman, the Secretary General of Save Lamu, addressed the media today, highlighting 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 declared.
The road, being 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 operationalization 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, 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,” Athman lamented, emphasizing that these communities are losing their land without compensation.
The group’s legal efforts are bolstered by past successes, including securing a 1.76 billion KES compensation 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 criticized the slow pace of addressing community concerns, stating,
“The LAPSSET corridor issue has lingered too long, and it’s time for action.” he stressed adding that the lawsuit is not intended to disrupt the project but to ensure justice is not further delayed for those affected from Kwasasi through Lamu, Ijara, Garissa, and extending to Turkana.
In response, LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority CEO Simon Ikua acknowledged the delays in compensation but assured that the government recognizes the need for action.
He further noted that the national government has always insisted that the LAPSSET project 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.
