After more than a decade of court battles and protests, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has finally begun compensating residents displaced by the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme.
The agency has issued a Ksh 17.5 million cheque as part of a phased compensation plan for affected families, who have fought for their rightful dues for the past 13 years.
The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme, which was launched to boost food security and benefit over 197,000 people, has been a source of both hope and despair for local communities.
While the project aims to improve agricultural production, it has also led to widespread displacement, particularly in Kakelo-Kakoth-Karapolo and Kanyuor villages.
Families that had lived on the land for generations were forced to vacate, making way for irrigation infrastructure that would serve national food production goals.
The government had initially offered Ksh 28 million in compensation, a figure that was quickly rejected by affected residents as insufficient.
The dispute escalated into a legal battle, with Lawyer Ken Okongo representing the displaced families in court.
Okongo challenged the government’s offer, arguing that the compensation package did not reflect the true value of the land and the impact of displacement on livelihoods.
His legal intervention pressured the government to revise the allocation to Ksh 68 million, a significant increase from the initial offer.
“The initial amount offered was an insult to the affected residents, many of whom lost their homes and livelihoods,” Okongo said.
“It took a legal fight to push the government into recognizing that these families deserved fair compensation. While this is a step in the right direction, we will not rest until all affected individuals receive what is rightfully theirs.”
Despite the increased allocation, the compensation process remains incomplete.
The government has set aside Ksh 166 million for the entire compensation package, but an additional Ksh 98 million is still required to fully settle all claims.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, Ksh 150 million has been earmarked for both ongoing project works and compensation.
Officials have also promised an additional Ksh 150 million to sustain the project and Ksh 500 million in the next financial year to support further expansion.
As the first phase of compensation gets underway, a team of NIA officers is working to verify individuals eligible for the remaining payouts.
This process is expected to address years of frustration among the displaced families, who have endured financial hardships and uncertainty since they were forced off their land.
Many have struggled to rebuild their lives, with some relying on subsistence farming in neighboring areas while waiting for the government to fulfill its promises.
Beyond individual grievances, the compensation issue has also threatened the success of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme itself.
Ongoing legal battles have slowed the project’s progress, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
Delays in resolving compensation claims have also fueled tensions between the government and the local community, with some residents fearing further injustices if the matter is not fully addressed.
With the recent payments, the government has taken an important step toward resolving a dispute that has dragged on for over a decade.
However, residents and their legal representatives remain vigilant, insisting that they will not back down until every affected individual is fully compensated.
KTMN Reporter 
polycarp ochieng