The National Land Commission, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Pamoja Trust and Habitat for Humanity, presented a comprehensive set of recommended land policies to the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Land, Housing, and Physical Planning Alice Wahome.
The recommendations cover various crucial aspects of land governance, including land tenure and rights, land administration and management, land use planning, environmental conservation, climate change, land and food security, and the resolution of land-related conflicts.
According to Article 67(2) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the National Land Commission is mandated to propose a national land policy to the government every ten years.
The presented recommendations will serve as the foundation for the national government’s review of the land policy, aligning it with current and future dynamics in the sector.
Speaking during the event at Nairobi hotel, CS Wahome acknowledged the importance of regularly reviewing land policies to align them with current, emerging, and future dynamics.
She emphasized that land, being a key economic resource, must be managed equitably, efficiently, productively, and sustainably in line with established principles outlined in Articles 60 to 68 of the constitution.
Wahome further stressed the importance of equitable, efficient, productive, and sustainable land management.
She highlighted the commitment to eliminating gender discrimination, customs, and practices related to land and property.
She said the government aimed at encouraging communities to settle land disputes through recognized local community initiatives, aligning with constitutional principles.
The CS reassured that the ministry would complete the policy review and development process by the end of the financial year, including public participation, submission of the policy to the cabinet for approval, and presentation to Parliament for debate.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary Nixon Korir acknowledged the challenges faced by the ministry, including underfunding, an overgrowing population in the city, and ongoing issues with climate change and land conservation.
By Okal Kevin
