Del Monte Kenya Limited is facing the compulsory acquisition of 21.7 hectares of its land in Murang’a County as the government moves to secure land for a wastewater treatment plant.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The National Land Commission (NLC), dated August 21, 2026, identified the affected property as L.R. No. 12158/3, registered to Del Monte Kenya Limited.

The land is required by the Kenya Athi Water Works Development Agency for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, according to the notice. In addition, the NLC has scheduled a public inquiry into the proposed acquisition for September 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Methi Chief’s Camp in Murang’a County.

The inquiry will allow Del Monte and other interested parties to present their views on the acquisition, including matters relating to compensation.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Commission has also invited people seeking compensation to submit claims accompanied by identification documents, KRA PIN details, land ownership documents and bank details.

Compulsory acquisition is allowed under Article 40 of the Constitution, which permits the State to acquire privately held land where it is required for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to the payment of prompt and just compensation.

The process is g overned by the Land Act, which requires the NLC to follow formal procedures before taking possession of private land. These include publishing notices, identifying the affected property and conducting inquiries before the acquisition is completed.

Compensation can cover the value of the land as well as qualifying developments and improvements on the property. Depending on the circumstances, this may include structures, crops, trees and other improvements affected by the acquisition.

Landowners also have the right to challenge an acquisition or dispute the compensation offered through the available legal processes.

The latest move comes amid increased legal and regulatory scrutiny of Del Monte's operations in Murang’a. In July 2026, the Environment and Land Court in Murang’a dismissed the company's attempt to stop proceedings relating to a Ksh975 million legal costs bill arising from earlier litigation.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke