Ukunda airstrip squatters to remain ‘landless’

Residents in Mkwakwani village in Msambweni, Kwale County are up in arms after reports emerged that they will not receive the Ksh 400 million compensation from the government for the 100-acre piece of land hived for thxe construction of an airstrip in Ukunda.

The residents say that the government now claims ownership of the land which they say belongs to their forefathers.

Speaking at the Ukunda airstrip, National Land Commission Chairman, Dr Mohamed Swazuri, said that 12 title deeds to pieces of land have been nullified and 25 families residing near the airstrip should relocate immediately.

Swazuri was touring airports across the country to address matters concerning land grabbing set for airports construction and expansion.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had assured squatters on the land that they will be compensated.

Two years ago, during Jambo Jet’s inaugural at the airstrip, member of tourism task force and hotelier, Chris Modigel, said Ukunda runway needed to be extended for larger air crafts, installation of landing lights to enable smooth night landings and construction of a new terminal.

Ukunda airports extends its service from Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta international Airport(JKIA).

Written by Anne Mukuru