“End of row as lands team approves power project”

 The National Lands Commission has approved a Sh21 billion wind power project, putting to rest a standoff between squatters and the investor. National Lands Commission (NLC) Chair Muhammad Swazuri said stringent compensation demands from the locals has delayed the project, adding that the commission has conducted an evaluation and agreed with the investor to pay Sh100 million as compensation. NLC was forced to hold a consultative meeting between the investor and Waitemere squatters on the land following a four-year standoff over relocation and compensation. 

…Swazuri said locals on the 3,200-acre proposed site of the project had been incited by a section of political leaders to make astronomical demands as compensation for land. He said following the valuation on the structures on the site, it had been established that 259 families on the land would be compensated. Survey reveals why public agencies lack title deeds National Land Commission expels Bamburi squatters. The project financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is being undertaken by the Belgium renewable-energy developer Electrawind and its local partner, Kenwind…Swazuri said the consortium has already received all the approval from national and county governments’ agencies to move to the site. “The investor has received all the approval and conducted public awareness…