The Kenyan government possesses the constitutional authority to acquire private land for public projects under the principle of radical title, a power that may surprise many citizens.

• The National Land Commission (NLC) is responsible for implementing compulsory land acquisition, as seen in plans for the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Malaba.
• Landowners are legally entitled to prompt compensation at market rates for land and improvements, though movable property is generally not compensated.
• Owners have the right to challenge acquisition decisions or compensation amounts in court, with procedures outlined in the Land Act.