The Principal Secretary for Aviation, Teresia Mbaika, was Tuesday sent back to the drawing board by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands after appearing before MPs without comprehensive answers on allegations of unlawful demolitions, evictions and unresolved compensation claims linked to the proposed expansion of Wajir Airport.
In a bruising session, the committee chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko also faulted Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Moses Wekesa for presenting what members described as unconvincing and inadequate submissions, leaving the two senior government officials unable to satisfactorily explain the government’s position on the controversial airport project.
The committee had summoned Mbaika to provide clarity on the planned expansion of Wajir Airport and respond to concerns raised by residents over alleged demolitions, evictions and compensation claims.
However, the PS faced sustained criticism after failing to provide decisive answers on previous compensation plans and the status of residents who claim to have been affected by developments surrounding the airport.
Mbaika told the committee that the proposed construction of a civilian terminal, apron and taxiways would be undertaken entirely within the existing airport boundary.
She maintained that the Kenya Airports Authority had no plans to acquire private land and that no Project Affected Persons had been identified for the proposed expansion.
The PS further said no funds had been allocated in the 2025/26 or 2026/27 financial years for compulsory acquisition or compensation of private land in connection with the proposed project.
But her submissions failed to convince MPs, who questioned how the Ministry could distance itself from land and compensation concerns that have continued to fuel tension among residents in Wajir.
The committee heard concerns that residents have alleged that private properties were demolished and people evicted without adequate explanation, compensation or a clear account of the government’s obligations.
Wajir County Woman Representative and committee Vice Chairperson Fatuma Jehow led the criticism against the PS, demanding answers on compensation plans that were reportedly under consideration between 2014 and 2016 but later disappeared without a clear explanation.
Jehow questioned whether the plans remained active and demanded that the Ministry provide a clear account of what happened to residents who believe they are entitled to compensation.
Frustrated by what she described as an unconvincing appearance, Jehow openly rebuked the PS for appearing before the committee without adequate preparation.
“The PS you’ve come here unprepared, not convincing the committee, go back and prepare your submissions.”
The sharp rebuke underscored the committee’s frustration with the Ministry’s failure to present detailed information on a matter involving years of grievances by residents.
Other members also joined the criticism, with MP Robi telling the PS to go back and adequately comprehend the issues raised by members before returning to the committee.
The pressure eventually forced Mbaika to concede that the Ministry was not adequately prepared to respond to the issues before MPs.
“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 stands.”
Her admission further exposed the gaps in the Ministry’s submissions, particularly on the land question and the status of compensation claims that MPs had expected her to address conclusively.
Mbaika later assured the committee that the Ministry would return with the required information.
” On the issues addressed, we commit to go back and come with details on Wajir and what is required.”
The committee also turned its fire on Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Moses Wekesa, who was faulted by Nyamoko for appearing before the MPs without sufficient information and with submissions that failed to address the concerns raised by the committee.
Wekesa attempted to explain that insecurity had affected the Authority’s ability to undertake the assessments required for the development of the airport, saying security forces had faced challenges in stabilising the situation in Wajir.
But the explanation was immediately challenged by Jehow, who told the KAA boss to familiarise himself with the security situation in the county and pointed out that Wajir had been rated among the safest counties in the country.
The exchange left the KAA management under further pressure, with MPs questioning whether the Authority had undertaken sufficient groundwork before appearing to defend a project that has generated serious concerns among local residents.
Nyamoko ultimately ruled that both the Ministry and the KAA must return to Parliament with comprehensive and decisive responses instead of the incomplete explanations presented to the committee.
The Chairperson directed Mbaika to appear again before the Lands Committee on September 3, 2026, armed with comprehensive reports addressing the questions raised by members.
The committee is expected to demand a detailed account of the airport’s expansion plans, the exact status of the land within and around the airport, previous compensation commitments and allegations of demolitions and evictions.
For the Aviation PS and the KAA boss, the committee’s directive amounts to a stern warning that MPs will not accept vague explanations or poorly prepared submissions on a matter involving land rights, public infrastructure and the livelihoods of Wajir residents.
The officials will now be expected to return to Parliament with answers capable of settling a dispute that Tuesday’s appearance only served to deepen.
