Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project: Compensation Payment Date Nears for Siaya and Busia Residents

The National Land Commission (NLC) has assured Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Siaya and Busia counties that pending compensation for land acquired under the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project will be paid soon.

The announcement offers relief to hundreds of landowners who have waited for financial settlement since land acquisition for the major agricultural infrastructure initiative commenced.

State officials from the National Land Commission (NLC) issued the update during an inspection visit to project sites along the Nzoia River basin. The commission emphasized that processing of award letters and verification of ownership credentials for all registered Project Affected Persons (PAPs) is nearing completion.

The Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is a joint initiative designed to enhance food security and control annual flooding across western Kenya. The multi-billion shilling scheme covers expansive acreage across Siaya and Busia counties, requiring extensive land acquisition for canal networks, dykes, and intake structures.

Delays in compensation payouts have previously sparked concerns among local community members and displaced households. Landowners in affected regions have repeatedly petitioned government bodies to finalize the disbursements, citing disruptions to their agricultural livelihoods and residential setups.

Commission representatives noted that funds allocated for land acquisition are being released in coordination with the National Treasury. The commission assured residents that payments will be deposited directly into verified bank accounts of eligible landowners to prevent fraud and third-party interference.

Local leaders in Siaya and Busia counties welcomed the development, urging the land agency to adhere strictly to the newly communicated timelines. Community representatives noted that prompt compensation remains critical for maintaining local support for major national infrastructure programs.

Work on the irrigation scheme continues alongside the land compensation process, with contractors advancing civil works across designated parcels. The project aims to bring thousands of acres under active cultivation once primary intake structures and distribution canals reach full operational capacity.

The National Land Commission (NLC) reiterated its commitment to resolving all outstanding land valuation disputes across both counties. Officials stated that public inquiries and verification exercises will continue until every legitimate claim is fully settled and documented.