NLC kicks off inquiry into Muhuru Bay land as port project gains momentum
The National Land Commission (NLC) has launched an inquiry into the status of a 25-acre parcel of land in Muhuru Bay, Migori County, earmarked for the construction of a port pier project aimed at boosting trade and regional connectivity.
Speaking on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after the inquiry session, NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi confirmed that the commission, together with Migori County officials and technical experts, had begun the compulsory acquisition process for land parcel Kadem/Muhuru Bay/752, which is required by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to expand the proposed port.
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“As the chair of NLC, my commissioners and technical team are working with the county government of Migori for the purposes of acquiring land in Muhuri Bay for the purposes of the port. There is some land that the KPA requires, and what they have is not sufficient. So we are in the process of acquiring some land for that purpose,” Otachi said.
“When you are carrying out the process of compulsory acquisition, it is not an issue of agreement; it is going through a process. So when you are doing an inquiry, it is to call upon those people that have been gazetted as either having an interest or being the owners of the land, to present their claims and to raise any issues around the acquisition.”
Smooth Process
Otachi further noted that the inquiry had proceeded smoothly, with residents expressing enthusiasm for the project.
“This matter had been gazetted and we are now conducting an enquiry, and I would say it has gone well, and I think generally the wananchi have no problem with the whole process, and they look like they are enthusiastic to have the project. It is about 25 acres for the establishment of the Muhuru Bay Pier/the port area,” he explained.
Governor’s Appeal
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko had earlier appealed to the NLC to intervene and resolve lingering ownership and acquisition issues surrounding the parcel, to pave the way for the port’s construction.
The Muhuru Bay port project is expected to transform Migori into a trade hub, enhancing cross-border commerce with Tanzania and improving transport and connectivity around Lake Victoria.
With the inquiry now underway, the project has gained momentum, signaling progress toward its implementation.
