By D, KNA
The National Land Commission (NLC) has renewed its call for Kenyans to protect and safeguard public land across the country, cautioning against continued encroachment, irregular allocations and misuse.
NLC Chief Executive Officer, Kabale Tache, said that while the Commission was mandated to safeguard public land, members of the public had the responsibility to act as ambassadors by reporting any attempts to grab public utilities.
“As we secure individual land parcels, we must also safeguard public utilities such as schools, markets, health facilities, water points and recreation centres. If you see any person trying to grab public land, do not keep quiet. Report them to our offices, and we will take necessary action,” she said. “These public parcels are the ones used to build hospitals, schools, police stations and other important amenities.”
Kabale revealed that the Commission has so far processed 124 reservations of public land for various institutions across the country.
She spoke in Kajiado County during a ceremony to issue certificates of lease and allotment letters, where she lauded Governor Joseph ole Lenku for partnering with the Commission to ensure residents obtain crucial land documents.
She noted that the documents are not just papers but a gateway to opportunity providing security of tenure, legal protection and the ability to access loans using land as collateral.
Kabale also commended the county for implementing the Alternative Justice System (AJS) to resolve land disputes, saying it has eased court backlogs and enhanced access to justice. She urged other counties to adopt similar mechanisms.
The CEO further disclosed that over 35 centres in Kajiado require urgent regularization to improve planning and ensure orderly growth.
She applauded the county for completing its County Spatial Plan, which safeguards environmentally sensitive areas such as Amboseli National Park, Ngong Hills and Oldonyio Orok Forest, while providing a blueprint for coordinated development.
Kabale also cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to fraudsters who pose as brokers promising to assist them in acquiring land documents.
Governor Joseph ole Lenku thanked the Commission for its commitment to helping Kajiado residents obtain land documentation, describing land as “more than a resource it is dignity, security, identity and economic opportunity.”
He urged landowners to adhere to land-use conditions attached to their leases, avoid encroaching on road reserves and public utilities, and ensure orderly development of their plots.
Lenku revealed that in collaboration with the NLC, 52 townships have been validated, and 36,800 plots identified and documented.
“In Kajiado, NLC has so far issued 8,275 allotment letters in two phases and 58 certificates of lease have been processed, with thousands still underway. This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” he said.