By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
April 29, 2026 - The National Land Commission, in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), has made significant progress in the ongoing valuation exercise for the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP) road corridor in northern Kenya.
The project is aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting trade within the region by improving the movement of goods and services.
The valuation exercise is a critical step in determining fair compensation for landowners and communities affected by the road corridor. It is designed to ensure affected individuals are adequately compensated while minimizing disputes and maintaining cooperation between stakeholders.
The HOAGDP is expected to boost economic activity in northern Kenya and neighbouring regions by improving access to markets, healthcare, and education, contributing to broader regional development.
Over the past three weeks, valuation officers have been on the ground in Kutulo and Wajir, identifying and documenting affected properties. In Kutulo alone, approximately 320 property owners within the corridor have been registered and validated.
Across the wider project area, from Wajir town through Lafaley, Tarbaj, Hungay, Wargadud, and into Kutulo , nearly 3,000 properties are expected to be affected.
Related articles
The exercise has expanded beyond initial estimates to include small-scale traders and informal structures, ensuring a more inclusive approach to compensation.
Property owners are being informed of potential impacts and their compensation entitlements, with formal acceptance processes set to begin this week in Wajir.
Despite logistical challenges , including difficult terrain, language barriers, and documentation gaps , the exercise has largely received cooperation from local communities.
This milestone signals progress toward the next phases of the project, including land acquisition and eventual construction, as Kenya moves forward with a key infrastructure corridor in the region.