This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
On November 26, 2019, the digitisation of land records was suspended by MPs, throwing a spanner in the works of a long-running drive to secure ownership and streamline land transactions.
Since the Kibaki administration, successive ministers of Land have promised Kenyans that going digital would solve property problems, including ownership disputes that have persisted for decades.
However, the government was aware of the risks of data breach or compromise and had a responsibility to ensure the data remained secure.
The move by MPs raises eyebrows and sends a signal that the political class does not support land reforms.
Parliament needs to come clear on the real motive for the retrogressive move to assuage public fears that politicians are only pursuing selfish motives in this critical matter.
FILE PHOTO | NMG
