This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
Naivasha's Inland Container Depot project has hit a snag, with the Maasai community refusing to relocate from the area due to compensation concerns. The project, which was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta with a Sh6.9 billion allocation, has been put on hold as the community demands a better compensation package.
According to community leaders, the 4,000 acres allocated to them for relocation is insufficient, given the large population that lives on the land. They claim that over 10,000 families would be affected by the relocation, and that those who negotiated on their behalf did not have their blessings.
Community leader Simon Koilel stated, "The land they claim to have offered us is not enough given the population that lives on this land and we are demanding more negotiations before we move out."
Another community leader, Patrick ole Kariasu, added that the government should have consulted with them before planning to relocate them. He stated, "We will move to court to block this move by government until, we must be given our dues in line with the law."
Residents, including Esther Parisire, have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed relocation, blaming individuals from the area for misleading them. Parisire stated, "What can 4,000 acres do with this population, they should stop pretending that they care and give us our rights."
Published on November 5, 2019, the project's future remains uncertain as the Maasai community continues to demand better compensation.
