Nakuru:The National Land Commission (NLC) is ramping up efforts to resolve claims of historical land injustices across the country. Kenyans are urging for swift resolution of disputes that have been pending for decades.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ms. Mary Yiane Seneta, Chairperson of the NLC Historical Land Injustice Committee, reported progress in reducing the backlog of cases, with only a few remaining to be heard. She made these comments during a public forum at the Anglican Church of Kenya Guest House in Nakuru, discussing the Draft Historical Land Injustices Regulations, 2026, and the Review of Grants and Dispositions of Public Land Regulations, 2026.
Ms. Seneta highlighted that the public participation forum has provided essential insights for the commission to expedite case resolutions. She emphasized that the NLC, having inherited a backlog, is committed to processing cases swiftly, with recommendations suggesting that such cases should be resolved within a year.
The forum, attended by NLC Commissioners Mohammed Haji and Vincent Kigen, as well as local government officials, revealed the long wait for justice by residents affected by government land acquisitions. Mr. Haji assured that the NLC is addressing legal and administrative hurdles to ensure legitimate claims are resolved, noting the impact of unresolved disputes on development.
The NLC, under Article 67 of the Kenyan Constitution, manages public land and investigates historical land injustices. Mr. Haji stressed the importance of land in the country’s heritage and identity, underscoring the NLC’s role in governing land rights.
The commission has invited public opinions to support its investigations into land injustices. This exercise aims to gather insights from communities and stakeholders, crucial for the commission’s mandate in recommending solutions for historical grievances.
A recent High Court ruling has affirmed that there is no time limit for pursuing justice over historical land injustices, allowing older claims to be considered. However, credible evidence must support claims and allegations of fraud, emphasizing the need for maintaining accurate land records.
Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones called for prioritizing long-standing land challenges and urged collaboration between the NLC and local authorities to find lasting solutions. He identified several areas with unresolved land disputes and stressed the importance of resolving documentation issues to enhance security and economic investment opportunities for residents.
The NLC is conducting nationwide consultations on regulations to strengthen the framework for addressing historical land injustices, gathering community and stakeholder input before finalizing these regulations.
