Homa Bay:The National Land Commission (NLC) has committed to expanding its initiatives to address the issues of public land grabbing and historical land injustices. This effort includes securing title deeds for public institutions, with a particular emphasis on schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, NLC Vice Chairperson Dr. Julie Oseko highlighted concerns about the illegal acquisition of public land by private individuals during a public forum in Homa Bay County. The forum, which included participants from Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kisii, and Migori counties, focused on draft regulations related to public land grants and historical injustices.
Dr. Oseko stated that the commission is awaiting the finalization and gazettement of these regulations, which will allow the formal reception of complaints and the initiation of hearings. She emphasized the commission’s dedication to addressing historical grievances, some of which date back over a century, through appropriate remedies.
Public land grabbing is a widespread issue across the country, with similar challenges reported from the Coast, Western, and northern regions. Dr. Oseko attributed these disputes to factors such as population growth, historical displacement, and fraudulent land documentation.
The NLC vice chair underscored the importance of public education to help communities understand their rights regarding public land. She also introduced the Piga Nduru (Raise the Alarm) initiative, aimed at safeguarding school land and securing title deeds for schools to prevent encroachment.
Since the initiative’s launch, over 20 schools in Homa Bay have obtained title deeds, with Homa Bay serving as a pilot for potential nationwide implementation. The commission’s broader goal is to protect land for all public institutions while focusing on creating secure environments for children’s education.
The commission remains dedicated to collaborating with communities and authorities to preserve public land and address historical issues through legal and administrative channels.
