Kenya Railways Corporation has commenced the land acquisition process for the Naivasha - Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B, as construction of the rail corridor takes shape.

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In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, Kenya Railways said it has begun inspection and valuation of land parcels that will be affected by the railway project as the government prepares to make additional sections of the corridor available for construction.

"The land acquisition process for the Naivasha-Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B project is now underway, with gazettement, inspection and valuation of affected land parcels ongoing," the corporation stated.

According to Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga, the corporation, together with the National Lands Commission (NLC), is meeting with the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to determine which land is required and how the acquisition process will work.

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At the same time, the delegation will also determine how land valuation will be conducted, as well as compensation measures for the affected individuals.

The agency noted that land acquisition, valuation, site inspections and stakeholder consultations are critical steps towards implementation of the Phase 2B project.

"The ongoing land acquisition, valuation, site inspections and stakeholder engagements are critical steps in preparing the way for the railway and demonstrate the progress being made towards implementation of the project," it added.

Meanwhile, construction of the SGR is progressing in sections of Narok and Kisumu counties where the required land is already accessible.

Although construction is ongoing, Kenya Railways noted that construction cannot simply begin everywher e along the route until land issues are determined and settled.

Kenya Railways and the NLC are currently advancing the land acquisition process in other sections of the railway corridor, with teams undertaking land data capture and verification to ensure accurate records ahead of the issuance of Gazette Notices and subsequent access to the required land.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke