This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
Land ownership is a deeply held value in Kenya, but the process of accessing land governance services is often complicated and frustrating for many citizens.
According to a survey conducted by the Land Development and Governance Institute (LDGI) in March 2021, difficulty in accessing information was one of the main barriers to successful land administration.
The survey, which interviewed 1,036 people in 34 counties, found that corruption in lands departments, the cost of services, and the time it takes to secure those services were also significant challenges.
While 11% of respondents found access to information to be very easy, 23% said it was difficult, and 15% ranked it as very difficult. In terms of access to information on community land registration, 41% of respondents found it difficult, with only 5% finding it very easy.
Furthermore, 69% of respondents were dissatisfied with the performance of the National Land Commission (NLC) in monitoring and overseeing land use planning at the county level.
“Most respondents, 81%, were dissatisfied with the performance of NLC on investigation of present and historical land injustices and their appropriate redress,” LDGI said.
Access to information from the Environment and Land Court was also a significant challenge, with 52% of respondents finding it difficult and 12% finding it very difficult.
Corruption remains a major hindrance to service delivery at lands offices across the country, with 51% of respondents reporting that corruption was rife in land transactions.
LDGI recommended reforms in land management institutions, including strengthening structures and upgrading systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“Access to information is also key to reducing corruption. When citizens are informed and know their rights, it increases their level of participation and they are in a position to hold these institutions accountable,” the survey report said.
While the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning introduced an online land search option in September 2015, 82% of respondents were not aware of its existence.
Majority of citizens were dissatisfied with the time taken to complete processes at lands offices, with 28% rating it as very slow and 25% rating it as slow.
LDGI recommended the employment of more staff and adequate funding to ensure availability of resources to implement their functions.
