Elgeyo Marakwet County Department of Lands in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has initiated a comprehensive land inventory exercise in Kerio Valley.
Sensitization forums were held in the Kaben and Endo locations to educate residents and collect crucial data for the upcoming adjudication process.
County officials sought to engage with communities residing within Community Land, providing them with essential information about the impending land inventory exercise.
Additionally, the gatherings sought to encourage active participation from the locals and address any concerns they may have had regarding the process.
Governor Wisley Rotich, during the launch of the program last week, emphasized the importance of resolving any existing land disputes amicably through the involvement of community elders.
He asserted that clans in community lands, particularly in Kerio Valley, without disputes, would be given priority in the land adjudication exercise.
The Governor’s call for peaceful resolution underscores the significance of community cooperation in unlocking the immense potential of the Kerio Valley through sustainable land use.
“I urge those who have issues to quickly resolve those amicably using elders so that we unlock the immense potential of Kerio Valley through sustainable land use,” Governor Rotich stated.
The exercise, targeting various locations throughout the county, is a crucial step in the larger process of collecting data for land adjudication.
Information gathered during this phase will be forwarded to the Cabinet Secretary of Lands for gazettement as adjudication areas, paving the way for subsequent surveying and titling.
Communities within the targeted areas expressed receptiveness to the initiative and pledged their support to ensure the conclusive preparation of a Community Land Inventory.
This collaborative effort is essential for the success of the overall project, as community involvement and cooperation are key elements in the accurate and comprehensive collection of data.
The land inventory exercise will span seven days, focusing on three wards: Endo, Sambirir, and Tambach. These locations have been identified as priority areas where land adjudication has not been previously conducted.
The data collected during this exercise will serve as a foundation for establishing a clear and organized system of land ownership, promoting responsible land use practices, and fostering sustainable development within the county.
The partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) adds an international dimension to the initiative, highlighting the global importance of responsible land management. The FAO’s support underscores the collaborative efforts required at both local and international levels to address issues related to land tenure and sustainable land use.
As the land inventory exercise progresses, it is expected to bring about positive transformations in the region, providing a solid framework for equitable land distribution, reducing conflicts, and fostering long-term sustainable development in Kerio Valley.
By Rennish Okong’o
