Residents of Kogony in Kisumu West Sub-County have renewed their push for compensation over the 880 acres of land that was acquired by the government for the construction of Kisumu International Airport, demanding either alternative land of equal value or monetary compensation.
The community says a long-running court battle over the land has now been concluded, clearing the way for compensation more than two decades after the land was taken.
Speaking during a meeting between Kogony community members and officials from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at Kisumu International Airport on Wednesday, June 24, Kogony Community Chairman Paul Akeyo said residents were seeking answers on three key issues: compensation for the land, employment opportunities for local residents, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
“We have highlighted our concerns to the Kenya Airports Authority, including employment opportunities for our people, CSR initiatives and, most importantly, compensation for the land that was taken from the Kogony community. The matter has been in court for many years, but it has now been cleared,” said Akeyo.
Akeyo revealed that an earlier valuation conducted on the land had placed its worth at approximately KSh30 billion. He, however, noted that the community would await an official government valuation before determining the final compensation figure.
“The government will undertake its valuation process and communicate the findings to the community,” he said.
On his part, Western Region Airports Director and Kisumu Airport Manager Felix Wanga assured residents that their grievances had been heard and would be escalated to the relevant government offices, including the Office of the County Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Airports Authority.
Wanga disclosed that a committee had already been established to review the land matter and would work closely with the Kogony Council of Elders and other stakeholders to address the community’s concerns.
“There is an ongoing process to review the entire issue. A committee has been tasked with looking into the Kogony land matter, and it will engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure the concerns raised are handled appropriately,” he said.
He commended the community for conducting a peaceful meeting despite the large turnout, noting that airport operations continued uninterrupted throughout the engagement.
However, Wanga clarified that compensation falls outside the direct mandate of the Kenya Airports Authority, explaining that the matter involves several government agencies, including the National Land Commission (NLC), the Ministry of Lands, and the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
“Compensation is not solely a KAA responsibility. There are key stakeholders involved, and the National Land Commission has already made recommendations that will guide the process,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over employment, Wanga said KAA remains an equal-opportunity employer and has already hired several residents from the Kogony community. He encouraged qualified locals to apply whenever vacancies are advertised.
“We have employed people from Kogony and will continue to consider qualified applicants whenever opportunities arise,” he said.
On CSR initiatives, Wanga highlighted KAA’s contribution to the area, including the construction of the ultra-modern Usoma Primary School and sponsorship programmes that have benefited local students.
“There are a number of learners who have benefited from KAA sponsorship programmes. We urge the community to appreciate the support that has already been extended while we continue engaging on other issues,” he added.
The renewed demand for compensation marks a significant chapter in a dispute that has spanned more than 20 years, with residents now hoping that the conclusion of legal proceedings will pave the way for a lasting resolution.
