Land Sector Corruption Persists Despite Reforms ¶
Kenya's land sector continues to grapple with corruption, despite ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance and reducing graft. A recent report by the Land Development and Governance Institute (LDGI) reveals that corruption in the land sector remains a significant concern in Kenya.
According to the report, 51% of respondents rated corruption as high in land transactions, while 49% rated it as low. The findings suggest that corruption is still prevalent in the land sector, with respondents citing high corruption in Land Control Boards, nepotism, and favoritism as major concerns.
LDGI Executive Director Mwenda Makathimo noted that the report highlights loopholes in the management of land in the country, with corruption ranking high amongst issues considered most pertinent by Kenyans. Makathimo emphasized the need for swift and stringent action to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
The report also found that 36% of Kenyans believe corruption is rife in the courts, with the institute concluding that corruption is still significant in the courts and that more needs to be done to eliminate it. Additionally, the report revealed that majority of the respondents were dissatisfied with the time taken by the Land and Environment Court to make judgments, with 59% rating the process as slow.
However, the LDGI is upbeat about the ongoing digitization of land registries, which it believes will streamline management practices and significantly diminish graft in the area of land. The institute supports and lauds government efforts in developing an online Land Information Management System to enhance efficiency and reduce costs of transacting on land.
