The planned expansion of Wajir Airport has hit a fresh hurdle after MPs sent the Principal Secretary for Aviation, Teresia Mbaika, back to the drawing board over inadequate answers on land, demolitions, evictions and compensation claims linked to the project.
Mbaika appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands on Tuesday to explain the government’s plans for the proposed construction of a civilian terminal, apron and taxiways at the airport.
However, the session turned tense after MPs said the Ministry had failed to provide sufficient information on longstanding grievances by residents who claim their properties were affected by airport-related developments.
The committee, chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, also criticised Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director Moses Wekesa over submissions that members said did not adequately address the concerns surrounding the project.
Mbaika told MPs that the proposed expansion would be undertaken entirely within the existing airport boundary and that KAA had no intention of acquiring private land.
She further said no Project Affected Persons had been identified in relation to the planned works and that the government had not allocated funds for compulsory acquisition or compensation of private land in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
The explanation, however, failed to settle the committee, with MPs demanding clarity on previous compensation arrangements and allegations that residents had been evicted or had their properties demolished without adequate compensation.
Wajir County Woman Representative and committee Vice Chairperson Fatuma Jehow pressed the PS to explain what happened to compensation plans reportedly considered between 2014 and 2016.
Jehow questioned whether those plans were still valid and demanded a clear account of residents who believe they remain entitled to compensation.
The lawmaker openly expressed frustration with Mbaika's appearance before the committee, accusing the Ministry of coming without enough information.
"PS, you've come here unprepared, not convincing the committee; go back and prepare your submissions," Jehow said.
MP Mathias Robi also told the PS to return after gaining a better understanding of the issues raised by the committee.
Mbaika eventually acknowledged that the Ministry had not been adequately prepared to respond to the questions.
"We have no defense, honourable members, and we will definitely come back with more information. Allow us to bring a report on what we need for Wajir Airport and we shall bring details; issues of land still stand," Mbaika said.
The committee later turned its attention to Wekesa, who attributed delays in undertaking some assessments for the airport project to insecurity in Wajir.
He said security challenges had affected KAA's ability to carry out the necessary assessments, adding that security agencies had faced difficulties stabilising the situation.
Jehow challenged the explanation, urging the KAA boss to familiarise himself with the county's security situation and noting that Wajir had been rated among the safest counties in the country.
The exchanges raised further questions over whether KAA had done enough groundwork before advancing the expansion plans.
Nyamoko subsequently directed both the Ministry and KAA to return with comprehensive responses addressing the concerns raised by MPs.
Mbaika is expected to appear before the Lands Committee again on September 3, 2026, with detailed reports covering the airport expansion, land ownership and boundaries, previous compensation commitments, and allegations of demolitions and evictions.
The committee's demand places renewed scrutiny on the government's handling of the Wajir Airport project, particularly the unresolved land questions that have continued to concern residents.