What to Do When the Government Acquires Your Land Compulsorily

Compulsory land acquisition remains a viable option amidst the government's ongoing efforts at both the county and national levels.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the criteria and compensation process, as numerous court cases have lingered unresolved for nearly two years. To tackle this problem, the government has launched the Land Acquisition Tribunal which has the sole aim of addressing all compulsory land acquisition complaints. According to Nabil Orina, the tribunal's chair, citizens possess the power to object to the government's intentions.

In an interview with Spice FM on September 21, Orina stated that one has the right to lodge their case to the Land Acquisition Tribunal if the government intends to compulsorily acquire their land. Individuals dissatisfied with the compensation offered or who believe proper procedures were not followed during the land acquisition process can challenge the government's decision with a verdict being delivered by the tribunal within 60 days of hearing the matter.

Orina suggests that individuals can appeal to the tribunal when the government seizes an entire piece of land rather than just a portion. He also advises that any land taken by the government from individuals should be used solely for the benefit of the public. It is important to note that landowners may not receive compensation from the government if the land has been involved in cases of land grabbing or if it originally belonged to the government.

“If the government has a public interest to which it wishes to take some private land to pursue public interest, then it can compulsorily do that. However, it can do that only if there is a public function that the land will serve,” he says.