Claim compensation when the government compulsorily acquires your land
National Land Commission · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Only the National Land Commission can compulsorily acquire land, and it must pay just compensation. Go to the NLC inquiry with your title, ID, KRA PIN, bank details and written claim, then sign to accept or reject the award within 14 days.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- 12 to 24 months for the whole acquisition, depending on the project
- Deadline
- Accept or reject the award within 14 days of getting the statement form
- Where
- At the NLC inquiry for your project; NLC head office, 316 Upperhill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi (0111042800, info@landcommission.go.ke)
What you need
- Land ownership documents: title deed, lease, allotment letter or search
- Proof of your interest in the land, such as a sale agreement, sublease or permit
- Your ID card, KRA PIN and bank details
- Your written claim (claim form) and any valuation report
Steps
- Be present when NLC valuers inspect the land, and make sure every building, crop and tree affected is recorded.
- Watch for the Notice of Inquiry in the Kenya Gazette. Attend the inquiry and hand in your ownership documents, ID and written claim.
- NLC serves you an award showing how much compensation you get.
- Sign the statement form to accept or reject the award within 14 days.
- After due diligence, NLC pays the compensation to the bank account you gave.
Watch out
- You cannot bargain over the amount. NLC valuers set it by law, so check that your improvements and land size are captured correctly.
- If you reject the award, your next step is the Land Acquisition Tribunal, and after that the Environment and Land Court.
- Developments added within two years before the acquisition notice may not raise your compensation unless you show they were genuine.
Who can apply
- Any person, community or company whose land, house, crops, business or home is affected by a public project (a Project Affected Person).
- People living on the land in good faith, even without title, are also considered and compensated.
Official sources (2)
- Frequently Asked Questions on Land Governance Handbook (March 2025) landcommission.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Contact landcommission.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026