The National Land Commission (NLC) has embarked on a comprehensive research initiative to address long-standing disputes over land ownership and use in Kilifi County.
The announcement was made by NLC Vice Chairperson Gertrude Nguku during a three-day inquiry into land ownership for the Malindi Airport expansion project.
Nguku underscored the significant challenges arising from Kenya’s inconsistent land policies since independence.
These inconsistencies have led to unresolved squatter issues and competing claims over land, exacerbating disputes and hindering sustainable land management.
“This has led to persistent squatter issues and competing claims over land ownership in Kilifi. Resolving these discrepancies is crucial to ensuring sustainable land management and governance at both county and national levels,” she stated.
The research, spearheaded by the NLC, aims to analyze the historical and legal frameworks surrounding land ownership and acquisition in the region.
Nguku highlighted the constitutional mandate of the NLC to research and provide advisory insights on land governance.
She stressed the importance of public participation in data collection, noting that affected communities must be directly involved in assessing the impact of past policies.
“The people will have to be involved in collecting data about how they have been affected by these conflicting processes to actualize the principles of Article 60 of the Constitution. Land should be managed in a way that is efficient, effective, productive, and sustainable,” she emphasized.
A collaborative approach will be at the core of these efforts, with the Kilifi County Government taking the lead in working alongside the NLC and national authorities.
This partnership seeks to develop inclusive solutions that bridge policy gaps and promote sustainable land management strategies.
“The collaborative approach aims to ensure inclusive policy-making and address existing gaps,” Nguku affirmed.
As land disputes continue to pose challenges to development in Kilifi, this initiative marks a crucial step toward resolving ownership conflicts and ensuring fair land administration.
By engaging stakeholders at all levels, the NLC aims to provide actionable recommendations that will shape future policies, foster stability, and promote equitable land governance in the region.
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