NAIROBI– The proposed expansion of Wajir Airport came under intense scrutiny on Tuesday after the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands questioned the Ministry of Roads and Transport over claims of unlawful demolitions, evictions and unresolved compensation concerns affecting residents of Wajir.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Joash Nyamoko, had invited Principal Secretary for Aviation Teresia Mbaika to explain the government’s plans for the airport expansion and clarify whether private land would be affected.

In her response, the PS said the proposed construction of a civilian terminal, apron and taxiways would be undertaken entirely within the existing airport boundary. She maintained that the Kenya Airports Authority had no plans to acquire private land and that no Project Affected Persons had been identified for the proposed expansion.

She further told the Committee that no funds had been allocated in the 2025/26 or 2026/27 financial years for compulsory acquisition or compensation of private land in connection with the project.

However, Members of the Committee raised concerns over unrest in Wajir, with residents alleging that private properties had been demolished or that people had been evicted without adequate explanation or compensation.

Vice Chairperson Hon. Fatuma Jehow strongly pressed the Ministry to account for previous compensation plans and demanded clarity on what happened to commitments made to affected residents.

The lawmaker said plans for compensation had reportedly been underway between 2014 and 2016, but subsequently disappeared without a clear explanation. She questioned whether those plans remained active and called on the Ministry to come clean on the status of residents who believe they are entitled to compensation.

She told the PS that the issue goes beyond the airport project itself. She maintained that position is that the rights of Wajir residents must be protected and that anyone whose property was lawfully acquired or affected by government works must receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.

Further, the Committee found the PS’s response unsatisfactory and directed her to appear again to provide a more detailed account.

The next appearance could prove significant for Wajir residents as the Committee seeks answers on the alleged demolitions, historical compensation claims, land ownership and the circumstances surrounding works at the airport.