Marsabit: The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, in collaboration with the Marsabit County administration and the National Land Commission (NLC), organised a sensitisation campaign across Laisamis Constituency in Marsabit County to educate residents about the Community Land Act and strengthen local land governance.
According to Kenya News Agency, the joint exercise brought together national and county officials in a unified effort to empower residents with knowledge on land rights, registration processes, and the importance of formal community land ownership. Nine sensitisation fora were held in various locations, including South Horr, Kurungu, Ntaletiani, Gatab in Mt Kulal, Olturot, Loiyangalani, Elmolo Bay, and Kargi, which are areas where community land plays a central role in identity, heritage, and economic opportunity.
The initiative was intended to equip residents with the tools to manage their land collectively, understand governance structures, and appreciate the benefits of formalizing community land ownership. Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, providing communities with the knowledge and support needed to secure their land rights. “Your presence here gives our communities the clarity and confidence they need to protect their land and plan their future. This sensitization will help reduce disputes, enhance cohesion, and ensure that every resident understands the value and responsibilities of community land,” said the County Commissioner.
Deputy Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, Andrew Khaemba, leading the State Department for Lands’ team, reiterated that secure community land tenure is essential for reducing conflicts, promoting sustainable resource management, and enhancing investor confidence. “Community land registration is not just a legal process but also a pathway to empowerment. We want every community in Marsabit to secure their land, avoid conflicts, and benefit from the resources around them,” Khaemba said. He emphasized that no community has exclusive rights over natural resources; they are shared assets that require coexistence, cooperation, and equitable access for all.
Director Khaemba added that the sensitization underscores the importance of cohesion among communities and fair benefit sharing to strengthen peace and sustainable development. County leaders echoed the importance of empowering residents to take charge of their land. Marsabit County Executive Committee Member for Lands (CECM), Adan Hirbo, observed that community land registration opens pathways for economic growth and legal protection. “The Community Land Act gives our people a voice. Once communities register their land and form governance structures, they open the door to development, stability, and future investments,” he said.
Chief Officer for Lands, Galm Guyo, expressed appreciation for the exercise, “We are proud to have supported this initiative and commend the collective effort that made it a success. We remain committed to backing such activities and look forward to continued collaboration to build on the progress achieved for our people,” said Guyo. The forums saw unprecedented participation by women, who came out in large numbers to actively engage in discussions on community land and natural resource governance, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusive decision-making.
The NLC also highlighted the value of strong governance structures such as Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs). “When communities understand how to manage their land collectively, they prevent disputes and attract investors. Knowledge is the first step toward economic transformation,” said Marsabit County Coordinator Abdullahi Jillo. Local elders and residents welcomed the initiative, noting that awareness has long been the missing link in the knowledge gap. “For years, we feared losing our land because we did not know the law. Today, we finally understand how to protect our heritage for future generations,” said Edidio Lekulo during the Olturot forum in Mt. Kulal.
Following the sensitisation, communities were guided on the registration of community land, a critical step to strengthen their rights and ensure fair benefit-sharing from local natural resources. Registering community land will allow local residents to fully benefit from investment projects in their area, such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power, promoting equitable resource sharing and sustainable development. Following on the sensitisation, the process will now progress to the registration of communities and subsequently the registration of their community land, ensuring secure rights, stronger governance structures, and transparent management of natural resources.
The exercise forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen community land governance, deepen public participation, and support communities in securing their land rights under the Community Land Act, 2016.