Kwa Chocha Residents Protest Delayed Compensation at Malindi Airport Expansion Site

By Ben Okweingoti 

Tension briefly flared at the entrance of Malindi International Airport on Tuesday morning after evicted residents of Kwa Chocha Estate staged a protest over delayed compensation for land acquired to pave way for the airport’s expansion.

The residents, who were forcibly removed from the area years ago, are demanding Sh2.5 billion from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for the acquisition of their land. Although the matter has been handled by the courts and the Land Acquisition Tribunal (LAT), the compensation process has dragged on for more than 15 years.

Led by their chairman, Charles Safari, the residents accused some officials at the National Land Commission (NLC) and KAA of attempting to sabotage the compensation process using fictitious title deeds. They claimed the scheme is intended to divert payouts to individuals who have no rightful claim to the land.

“I have travelled to Nairobi several times seeking the NLC report on our land, only to be told it was not ready. The term of the commissioners who visited the ground has already lapsed. I was shocked when someone at the NLC offices bluntly told me that we will not be paid,” Safari said during an engagement with NLC officers on a fact-finding mission.

In 2015, 230 residents were compensated Sh423 million for structures on the land. They were also set to receive an additional Sh2.5 billion for the land itself, but the process has remained in limbo.

Residents now say they have reached the end of their patience, accusing KAA of lacking commitment to honouring its obligations—an uncertainty that has disrupted their lives. Some affected families have lost loved ones, while others are battling chronic illnesses allegedly exacerbated by years of waiting for compensation.

“I have been urging them to be patient as we wait for judgment and compensation, but now they want to forcefully return to their land. It’s discouraging that this project has dragged on for more than 15 years,” Safari lamented.

NLC Director of Valuation and Taxation Joel Ombati, accompanied by Kilifi County NLC Coordinator Umi Kugula, intervened to calm the crowd. Ombati assured the residents that the commission had deployed valuers and surveyors to assess the affected land and compile a comprehensive report.

“We are here to ascertain the extent of the affected land. Together with our survey and valuation teams, we will tour the property so that a factual report can be prepared,” Ombati said.

He further directed the residents, through their lawyer, to formally write to the NLC confirming the joint site visit and outlining their grievances.

“Your secretary or chairman should write a letter after the tour, indicating that NLC and KAA officers were with you on-site and that your concerns were presented both orally and in writing. The letter should be addressed to the NLC Chief Executive Officer and copied to the Director General of KAA. We cannot take action until this communication formally reaches our offices,” he advised.

The residents vowed to continue pushing for justice as they await the long-overdue compensation.