This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Lands Cabinet Secretary Farida Karoney issued a legal notice that granted powers to land administration officers to issue land leases or licenses. However, this move was temporarily halted by a court order on July 26, 2019, after an interested party challenged the notice.
According to sources, Karoney is now planning to effect the gazette notice, which has sparked a row at the ministry. Some registrars have expressed their dissatisfaction with Karoney's plan, alleging that it would deprive them of their constitutional powers.
They argue that the law does not recognize land administration officers, as they do not have operational laws or the Act of Parliament does not give them the power to sign documents of land leases or licenses.
On July 26, 2019, the Environmental and Lands Court at Milimani granted an order of stay, which gave the Chief Land Registrar the power to continue issuing leases.
