Counties

NLC begins survey works on second phase of railway project

swazuri

National Land Commission chairman Babu Mwinga. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The National Land Commission had (NLC) started survey works on the 120-kilometre second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway line running from Nairobi to Suswa in Narok.

Speaking after touring the several proposed sites, NLC chairman Muhammad Swazuri said they had settled on a “cost effective route.”

He revealed that while three alternative routes had been proposed, a multi-sectoral agency settled on the Narok route.

“We put many factors into considerations, including the “cheapest route” and one that is virtually untouched by development and it will also open up other places in the country,” said the NLC chairman.

The 120-kilometre extension is expected to link special industrial zones -- which will be established in Naivasha -- to Nairobi and Mombasa.

He said despite other proposals including the traditional Nakuru route, the Narok line was considered the most economical.

This is because the area is less developed, with most affected sections being arable land, hence less money for compensation.

Affected structures

The NLC chairman said they are seeking to establish what structures will be affected by the construction of the railway line.

“We wanted to appraise ourselves with the proposed route and meet the people likely to be affected by the project as well as the institutions,” said Mr Swazuri.

He expressed optimism that the project will take off without hitches as majority of the affected persons were positive about the SGR project.

He described the routes as “spectacular” with many tourism sites and other impressive sceneries.

“The other positive thing is that there are no litigations and land owners have genuine title deeds,” added Mr Swazuri.

He said unlike Phase One which faced headwinds including perennial disputes, the phase 2A was likely to be completed within the stipulated timelines.

In three months, they will have a complete list of the affected persons and parcels of land for gazettement, and will start evaluations.