NLC Moves to Acquire Land for Construction of 750km Isiolo-Mandera Highway
In a gazette notice published on Friday, May 29, the commission announced plans to delete, correct, and add several parcels of land earmarked for acquisition on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The exercise forms part of preparations for the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a major government initiative aimed at enhancing regional integration and economic growth.
According to the notice, the acquisition affects land parcels located within Isiolo Township and the Igembe North/Amwathi Mutuati sections, among other properties situated along the project corridor in Meru and Isiolo counties.
“NOTICE is given that the National Land Commission intends to delete, correct and add parcels of land shown in the schedule hereunder on behalf of Kenya National Highways Authority in accordance with Section 110 of the Land Act No. 6 of 2012 and further to Kenya Gazette No. 14650 of October 9, 2025, required for construction of Isiolo-Kulamawe (A10/B84) Road and civil works associated with installing a fibre optic cable along the 77 km section under the construction of Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) in Meru and Isiolo Counties,” the notice stated.
The latest move specifically targets the 77-kilometre Isiolo-Kulamawe section, one of the critical phases of the larger highway project that stretches from Isiolo through northern Kenya to Mandera near the country’s border with Somalia.
Government officials have described the highway as a game-changing investment that will significantly reduce travel times, improve access to markets, and strengthen economic activity in counties that have historically faced infrastructure challenges.
In addition to road construction, the project includes the installation of fibre optic infrastructure aimed at improving digital connectivity and supporting economic development in the region.
The compulsory acquisition process is being undertaken under Section 110 of the Land Act, 2012, which grants the government authority to acquire private land for public purposes, provided affected landowners receive fair compensation and due process is followed.
As part of the process, the NLC has scheduled a series of public inquiry sessions between June 23 and July 6, 2026, to hear claims from affected landowners and verify ownership details.
The hearings will be conducted at various locations, including Tuulu Chief’s Camp, Ndumuru Open Air Market, Gambella Chief’s Camp, and selected county government offices across Isiolo and Meru counties.
During the sessions, commission officials will assess ownership documentation, compensation claims, and any disputes or concerns raised by affected residents.
Landowners have been advised to present national identification cards, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificates, title deeds or ownership records, and bank account details to facilitate compensation payments once the acquisition process is completed.
The highway is also expected to enhance security operations, improve access to public services, and stimulate investment opportunities in counties along the corridor.
Since its commissioning by President William Ruto in 2025, construction works have continued to gather momentum, with government officials expressing confidence that the project will unlock new economic opportunities for communities across northern Kenya.
As the acquisition process begins, attention now shifts to the upcoming public inquiries, where affected residents will have an opportunity to present their claims and participate in a process that could shape the future of one of Kenya’s most transformative infrastructure projects.
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NLC Moves to Acquire Land for Construction of 750km Isiolo-Mandera Highway
