The National Land Commission, led by Chairman Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy, recently conducted a public participation forum in Kiambu County. The event, held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, brought together various stakeholders, including National Government Administration Officers and members of the public. The forum aimed to gather input on proposed regulations and provide a platform for citizens to address historical land injustices.
The forum is part of a nationwide drive by the Commission to collect public input on proposed regulations and address historical land injustices. Chairman Alawy emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping land policy and reforms. He stated that the resolution of historical land injustices and the fair disposition of public land must be anchored on the voices and experiences of ordinary Kenyans.
Commissioner Alawy was flanked by Commissioners Mary Seneta and Esther Murugi during the forum. He urged residents to seize the opportunity to present their grievances and documentary evidence. The Chairman assured them that the Commission remained committed to transparency, fairness, and the protection of public land from illegal acquisition and encroachment.
Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia lauded the Commission for choosing Kiambu as one of the stations for the exercise. He noted that land remains an emotive and highly valued resource in the county. Macharia called on residents to engage constructively and shun any form of incitement during the deliberations.
Members of the public who attended the forum welcomed the initiative, saying it offered them a rare chance to directly engage the Commission on long-standing land disputes. They also appreciated the opportunity to address questionable allocations of public land and the need for lasting solutions.
The Commission is mandated under the Constitution and the National Land Commission Act to investigate present or historical land injustices and recommend appropriate redress. The Kiambu forum forms part of a series of consultative meetings being held across various counties before the regulations are enacted.
The public participation forum in Kiambu County is a significant step towards addressing historical land injustices and promoting fair land management practices. The Commission's efforts aim to ensure that the voices of ordinary Kenyans are heard and considered in the development of land policies and regulations.
Key points
- The National Land Commission is conducting a nationwide public participation forum to collect input on proposed regulations and address historical land injustices.
- The forum in Kiambu County provided a platform for citizens to present their grievances and documentary evidence on land disputes.
- The Commission is mandated to investigate historical land injustices and recommend redress under the Constitution and the National Land Commission Act.
