NLC Moves to Take Private Land in Wajir as Government Plans New KDF Military Air Base

The National Land Commission (NLC) has announced plans to acquire privately owned land in Wajir County for the construction of a proposed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) air base.

In a gazette notice dated October 30, 2026, the commission identified a 0.8401-hectare parcel in Wajir Township for compulsory acquisition on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The targeted property is registered as Wajir Township Block 2/1424. The proposed acquisition is being undertaken under Section 110 of the Land Act, which provides for compulsory acquisition of private land for public purposes.

According to the notice, the land will be acquired to facilitate the proposed Wajir Air Base, a military infrastructure project expected to expand the government’s defence facilities in the region.

The NLC indicated that the process would involve public participation and inquiries into compensation for the affected landowner.

The announcement comes amid other government-led land acquisition exercises targeting privately owned properties for major infrastructure projects across several counties.

In Lamu County, the commission has scheduled inquiries involving two parcels earmarked for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project.

The two parcels measure 84.65 hectares and 218.9 hectares, bringing the total land involved to 303.55 hectares.

The inquiries will address issues surrounding the proposed acquisition, including land ownership and compensation for the affected proprietors.

Meanwhile, four parcels in Kisii and Bomet counties have been identified for the construction of Mugenu Bridge along the Kaplong-Kisii Highway.

The parcels collectively cover approximately 2.6588 hectares and are required for the bridge project.

Another 1.2523 hectares has also been earmarked for the Mahor River Project along the Kilgoris-Longorian Road.

In Nakuru County, the NLC has scheduled an inquiry involving five acres of land adjacent to Kenyatta Barracks.

These developments form part of the government’s efforts to secure land required for public infrastructure, transport and security-related projects.

The commission has outlined several documents that affected property owners must present during the compulsory acquisition process.

These include written claims for compensation, national identification documents, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificates, land ownership records and bank account details.

The documents will help establish the identity of the proprietors, verify ownership and facilitate compensation assessments.

The scheduled inquiries are expected to take place at designated chiefs’ offices as the acquisition process progresses.

For the proposed Wajir Air Base, the gazette notice marks a formal step towards securing the land required for the military project.

However, the acquisition process will still involve the prescribed legal procedures, including inquiries and compensation considerations.

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