Government Initiates Compulsory Acquisition of Del Monte Land for Wastewater Plant

The National Land Commission (NLC) has issued a notice to acquire 21.7 hectares of land owned by Del Monte Kenya Limited in Murang’a County. The land, registered as L.R. No. 12158/3, is earmarked for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant by the Kenya Athi Water Works Development Agency.

The compulsory acquisition process, announced on August 21, 2026, follows constitutional provisions allowing the State to acquire private land for public use, provided prompt and fair compensation is paid. The NLC will hold a public inquiry on September 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Methi Chief’s Camp, Murang’a, to hear from Del Monte and other stakeholders.

Interested parties wishing to claim compensation are advised to submit relevant documents, including identification, KRA PIN, proof of ownership, and bank details. Compensation may cover land value and any improvements such as structures, crops, or trees affected by the acquisition.

This development comes amid ongoing legal challenges facing Del Monte in Murang’a, including a dismissed case related to a Ksh975 million legal costs bill and a separate Ksh1.76 billion tax dispute. However, the acquisition is not linked to penalties but is driven by the public need for wastewater infrastructure.

The upcoming inquiry will be critical in addressing concerns, determining compensation, and shaping the government's next steps in securing the land for the wastewater treatment project.