This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
Kenya Railways has issued a notice to illegal land occupiers, giving them a month to vacate the premises or face eviction. The corporation is working with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to repossess the properties.
According to the notice, those who have acquired Kenya Railways land and properties illegally will be evicted. The corporation is also in the process of demolishing all illegal structures on the railway reserve land countrywide.
Kenya Railways acting Managing Director Phillip Mainga stated that the main reason for this move is to complement the road transport network and utilise the railway system to reduce the increasing traffic gridlock in the cities.
Mainga said, "We are trying to re-establish connectivity within the towns. We have demand for our services in Mombasa, Ruiru and Kisumu. Those lines are very important for our operations so we can start serving the public efficiently and conveniently."
Mainga also warned that tenants who have dormant accounts and are unreachable by phone should update their current status and pay as well, or risk eviction.
Kenya Railways is also moving to fill the position of managing director, which fell vacant when Atanas Maina was suspended over allegations of irregularities during compensation of landowners where the Standard Gauge Railway was built.
Mainga was appointed acting managing director.
Those who have illegal title deeds are required to surrender the documents to the Kenya Railways headquarters by October 30, 2019.
