The National Land Commission (NLC) has announced plans to address longstanding historical land injustices in Laikipia County through new regulations currently under development, with claims of community land encroachment by ranches among the key issues targeted.
Speaking during a public participation forum in Nanyuki, NLC Commissioner Daniel Mugambi said the proposed regulations will provide a clear legal framework for handling historical land injustice claims, enabling affected communities to pursue redress more effectively.
Mugambi noted that Laikipia, which hosts numerous private ranches, has recorded several complaints from communities claiming that portions of their ancestral land were taken over by ranches.
He said about 28 historical land injustice cases from the county have already been submitted to the Commission for consideration.
“Laikipia has numerous historical land challenges, particularly involving communities that feel they were disadvantaged in one way or another. Among the concerns are allegations that some ranches encroached on community land, and these grievances require a structured legal process to resolve,” he said.
He explained that previous attempts to address such disputes were often frustrated by the absence of a comprehensive legal framework, with some cases failing to meet legal thresholds in court.
According to the commissioner, the new regulations are intended to strengthen public participation and ensure that historical claims are investigated and determined transparently and fairly.
“Previously, some cases were dismissed because they did not satisfy legal requirements, particularly on community participation. That is why we are now engaging elected leaders, community representatives and residents to capture their views before finalising the regulations,” Mugambi said.
National Land Commission Chairperson Dr. Abdallahi Saggaf reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving historical land injustices through an effective legal framework that will facilitate timely determination of genuine claims.
He said the Commission is working to ensure that affected communities receive a fair hearing while promoting lasting solutions to land disputes that have persisted for decades.
Some residents who attended the public participation forum urged the Commission to expedite the process, saying many families have waited for years without progress despite submitting petitions and supporting documents.
By Muturi Mwangi
