Three communities in Turkana County namely Naotin, Loturerei and Kakwanyang, have successfully elected their Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs), marking a major step forward in the implementation of the Community Land Act, 2016.
The three-day electoral exercise was jointly overseen by the County Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Areas Management, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, and the National Land Commission (NLC).
It followed a public notice inviting community members to participate in the democratic selection of their land committees, as required under Section 7(2) of the Community Land Act.
Each of the three communities elected 15 committee members, with organisers ensuring the process met legal standards for inclusivity, including gender balance and representation of persons with disabilities.
Once elected, each committee selected its own leadership: a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer to oversee its operations going forward.
The newly elected members will now take on responsibility for managing community land on behalf of their constituents, implementing decisions made by the Community Assembly, safeguarding land rights, keeping accurate records, and promoting accountable, sustainable land management.
Officials from the three partnering institutions praised the communities for conducting the elections peacefully and transparently, describing the outcome as a significant milestone in advancing community land governance across the county.
Authorities said the exercise underscores their continued commitment to strengthening land governance structures and empowering communities to take an active role in managing and administering their own land.
By Peter Gitonga
