Over 198 residents of the Kwachocha area in Malindi are urgently seeking compensation for land acquired by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for the expansion of Malindi International Airport. In a case filed at the Malindi Environment and Lands Court, the residents have requested an order to halt a potential takeover of KAA assets by Adani until they receive their compensation.
Represented by their advocate, Vincent Mogaka, the residents expressed concern that the expected takeover, scheduled for next month at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, could affect KAA’s nationwide assets, jeopardizing their compensation.
The 198 applicants, in a notice of motion filed on October 8, 2024, highlighted that the compensation has been delayed for over 15 years, and they fear that Adani’s control might risk their compensation.
Justice Mwangi Njoroge of the Malindi Environment and Lands Court has scheduled a ruling on the matter for December 3, 2024.
In response, KAA’s lawyer, Adhoch Emeli, opposed the residents’ application, clarifying that his client intends only to transfer JKIA operations to Adani.