Isiolo County leaders are calling on the government to expedite compensation for over 300 households affected by the Modogashe-Mandera road construction. Residents whose properties fall within the project area have yet to receive compensation, unlike their counterparts in neighboring counties, leading to frustration and stalled project progress due to disputes between the National Land Commission (NLC), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and local officials.
Led by former County Council Chairman Hussein Abduba, ex-Nominated MCA Hassan Shano, and former Kulamawe Ward Councillor Buke Gollo, the leaders cited infighting between NLC and KeNHA and corruption at the county level as primary barriers to compensation. “The process has been marred by internal conflicts and delayed payments,” Abduba stated, adding that officials are allegedly holding undisclosed public consultations to manipulate the process to their benefit.
The leaders appealed to the World Bank and the national government to intervene, claiming that some senior officials and politicians are scheming to claim compensation for non-existent properties. They warned that without direct engagement from NLC and KeNHA at the grassroots level, many rightful beneficiaries risk exclusion from compensation payments.
Mr. Shano highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that residents in neighboring Garissa County received comprehensive compensation for both land and infrastructure, while Isiolo residents are offered payments only for houses. He and other leaders underscored that proper compensation would boost community confidence in the project, which promises economic benefits like improved tourism, trade, and investment in Northern Kenya.
