Journey towards land justice continues

By  Abdillahi Alawy

Chairperson

National Land Commission

What you need to know:

• Kenyans are well informed about land matters and deeply conscious of their rights.
• Kenyans want a land justice system that is transparent, inclusive, timely and fair.

Land in Kenya is more than an economic asset. It is home, livelihood, heritage and identity. Yet, for many Kenyans, land remains a source of painful memories, unresolved grievances and injustices passed down through generations.

Over the past few weeks, the National Land Commission (NLC) has engaged Kenyans in public participation on the proposed National Land Commission (Investigation of Historical Land Injustices) Regulations, 2026, and the National Land Commission (Review of Grants and Dispositions of Public Land) Regulations, 2026.

On behalf of the Commission, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended physical forums, joined virtual engagements or submitted written memoranda. Your contributions have been invaluable in shaping how our country confronts historical land injustices and safe-guards public land for present and future generations.

The consultations have taught us three important lessons. First, Kenyans are well informed about land matters and deeply conscious of their rights. Participants demonstrated an impressive understanding of the Constitution, land laws and institutional mandates. They interrogated specific provisions, questioned timelines and proposed safeguards to ensure fair investigations, protect vulnerable communities and uphold legitimate property rights.

These were not passive audiences. They were informed citizens determined to influence decisions that affect their lives, communities and future generations. Their contributions demonstrated the value of giving the public meaningful opportunities to participate in policymaking.

Land justice system

Second, unresolved land grievances remain a heavy burden for many Kenyans. Although the consultations focused on the proposed regulations, participants recounted ancestral land losses, disputed allocations, dispossession, contested ownership, settlement scheme concerns, community land rights and alleged unlawful acquisition of public land.

Behind every land dispute are individuals, families and communities seeking answers, recognition and justice. For some, these grievances have persisted for decades, leaving successive generations uncertain about their land rights and prospects for redress.

The Commission recognises that the consultations were not intended to receive or determine individual claims. Nevertheless, the concerns raised underscored the urgent need for clear, accessible and credible mechanisms through which Kenyans can seek justice.

Third, Kenyans want a land justice system that is transparent, inclusive, timely and fair. Participants raised questions about access to information, evidentiary requirements, community elders’ involvement, technical expertise, protection of vulnerable groups and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Others emphasised the importance of balancing historical redress with legitimate property rights and ensuring that reviews of public land allocations respect due process. These concerns will in-form our consideration of the submissions and reinforce the need for regulations that promote fairness, accountability and public confidence.

Meaningful public participation is essential to developing sound legislation. It allows institutions to understand citizens’ experiences, identify gaps and consider practical solutions before policies and regulations are finalised.

Land injustice complaints

What happens next? The Commission will carefully review the submissions received, incorporate appropriate recommendations and finalise the proposed regulations before submitting them to Parliament for consideration and approval.

Once approved and brought into operation, the regulations will provide procedures for eligible Kenyans to submit historical land injustice claims and complaints concerning grants and dispositions of public land, within the Commission’s legal mandate. We will communicate the applicable requirements and channels to ensure that citizens understand when and how to approach us.

To those who shared painful experiences and those who have waited years for an opportunity to seek justice, I offer this assurance: the NLC is committed to listening to properly submitted claims, examining them fairly and objectively, and addressing them in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Every claimant deserves dignity, respect and a fair hearing, regardless of social or economic standing.

We cannot promise that every claim will succeed, but we can promise that every properly submitted claim will receive due consideration.

The conclusion of public participation is not the end of our engagement with Kenyans. It is an-other important step towards strengthening land governance, addressing historical wrongs and safeguarding public land.

To the people of Kenya, thank you for speaking. We have heard you. Your voices matter, your grievances matter, and your pursuit of justice matters.

Dr Alawy is the chairperson, National Land Commission. info@landcommission.go.ke