The National Land Commission (NLC) has urged residents of Kajiado County to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to address persistent land disputes in the region.
Speaking in Kajiado Town, NLC Commissioner Tiyah Galgalo said Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and ADR frameworks have proven effective in resolving land-related conflicts while promoting harmony within communities.
Galgalo revealed that of the 1,864 land dispute cases recorded in Kajiado over the past ten years, 1,066 have been successfully resolved through alternative mechanisms outside the formal court system. She noted that ADR processes significantly reduce the time and costs associated with protracted court battles, while encouraging amicable settlements and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
“We encourage wananchi to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution instead of rushing to court. Court processes often take a long time and can be costly, yet through AJS and ADR we are able to resolve matters faster and in a more amicable way,” she said.
The Commissioner observed that a majority of the disputes revolve around leasehold titles, particularly issues concerning renewal, expiry and ownership transitions. She added that the Commission plans to conduct county visits to assess land concerns and engage stakeholders with the aim of streamlining land administration processes and preventing future conflicts.
Galgalo emphasized that land disputes directly affect social cohesion, noting that land matters are highly sensitive as they touch on livelihoods, inheritance and ownership rights.
Kajiado County Commissioner Michael Yator assured the Commission of the National Government Administration’s support in addressing land challenges in the county. He said the local administration will continue collaborating with relevant agencies and community leaders to ensure disputes are handled promptly and amicably.
Yator further announced that public schools, institutions and government offices in the county will be issued with title deeds to safeguard public land from encroachment.
“We are committed to ensuring that public land is properly documented. This will not only protect vital community assets but will also help foster stability and peace among our people,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance land security, reduce conflicts and strengthen social stability across Kajiado County.
By Rop Janet
