The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) has intensified efforts to strengthen community land governance across Northern Kenya, with the Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs) of Turbi, Uran and Obbu receiving Certificates of Registration in a milestone aimed at securing community land rights.
The registration of the committees was facilitated by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), the regional economic block that brings together 10 frontier counties to promote sustainable development, peace and economic transformation.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support the implementation of the Community Land Act by strengthening institutions responsible for the governance and protection of community land.
The Certificates of Registration were jointly presented by Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande, Community Land Registrar Mr. John Wanjohi, and officials from the Ministry of Lands during a ceremony attended by elders, community leaders and residents held at Sand and Rock resort in Saku Constituency.
Speaking during the event, Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande said community land remains a shared resource whose protection requires collective responsibility.
“Land is a community asset and should be treated as such. Communities must safeguard it for the benefit of present and future generations through transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership,” he said.
Kamande noted that the registration of the Community Land Management Committees provides legally recognized structures to oversee community land administration, promote accountability and enhance peaceful resolution of land-related disputes.
Community Land Registrar John Wanjohi said the registration of the committees marks an important milestone in implementing the Community Land Act, enabling communities to establish governance structures that will spearhead the management and protection of community land.
Officials from the Ministry of Lands called on the newly registered committees to execute their mandate with integrity and fairness, emphasizing that sound community land governance is critical to sustainable development, environmental conservation and lasting peace.
FCDC officials said the registration of the Community Land Management Committees reflects the regional economic bloc’s commitment to supporting frontier counties in securing community land rights and strengthening local institutions that drive inclusive development.
They noted that effective community land governance contributes to reducing land-related conflicts, improving natural resource management and creating an enabling environment for investment and socio-economic growth across the frontier counties.
Leaders from Turbi, Uran and Obbu welcomed the registration, describing it as a significant step towards protecting their communal land and enhancing community participation in decisions affecting land use and development.
The registration of the three Community Land Management Committees adds to FCDC’s growing efforts to accelerate community land registration across its member counties, reinforcing the regional bloc’s role in promoting secure land tenure, peaceful coexistence and sustainable livelihoods in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands.
The ceremony brought together officials from the Ministry of Lands, national government administrators, community elders and local leaders, who reaffirmed their commitment to protecting community land as a shared heritage and a foundation for economic development and social cohesion.
By Anthony Melly
