The National Land Commission (NLC), established under Kenya's 2010 Constitution, faced significant scrutiny as its initial leadership term ended in 2019. The commission, tasked with overseeing public land management and reform, had struggled to meet key objectives outlined in its mandate, including implementing the 2012 National Land Commission Act.
Created to address historical mismanagement of land, the NLC inherited responsibilities previously held by the Commissioner of Lands. Its constitutional duties include managing public land, advising the government on policy, and recommending redress for land injustices. However, reports indicated limited progress on critical tasks such as renewing expired land leases and finalizing reviews of land grants by 2017.
The NLC's origins trace back to the Njonjo Land Commission's 1999 recommendations for a national land policy framework. The 2009 National Land Policy, set to expire in 2019, remained unreviewed, and no comprehensive land title registration framework had been developed. Critics noted the commission's focus on compulsory land acquisitions, particularly in projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, while neglecting broader reforms.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement emerged, including claims of inflated valuations to secure commissions from landowners. Kenya Railways sued the NLC over compensation obligations, while internal conflicts between the chairman and deputy exacerbated challenges. Analysts attributed the commission's shortcomings to inadequate funding, institutional friction with the Ministry of Lands, and a lack of clear strategic direction.
As Kenya prepares to appoint new NLC leadership, experts emphasize the need for qualified professionals and sufficient resources. The commission's effectiveness hinges on addressing systemic issues to fulfill its constitutional role in land governance, particularly given the 1999 policy framework and 2012 legislative mandates.
