Kenya's Land Commission Seeks Public Input on Historical Land Injustices Regulations
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Kenya's National Land Commission is collecting public views on draft regulations that would overhaul how historical land injustice claims are filed, investigated and resolved.
The National Land Commission (NLC) has assured Kenyans that public views and submissions will play a central role in shaping new regulations aimed at addressing historical land injustices.
The Commission said feedback gathered through ongoing public participation forums across the country would help establish a fair and robust framework for investigating and resolving longstanding land grievances. The forums are reviewing the Draft National Land Commission (Investigation of Historical Land Injustices) Regulations, 2026.
NLC Commissioner Mary Seneta, who chairs the Historical Land Injustices Committee, said community experiences and stakeholder recommendations were critical to developing lasting solutions. Speaking at the ACK Amani Conference Centre during a forum involving representatives from Nakuru and Nyandarua counties, she said the Commission was committed to promoting land justice, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, and that the newly constituted Commission had inherited a substantial backlog of claims.
Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones urged the Commission to prioritise longstanding disputes affecting the region, citing Dundori, Solai, Kiptangwany, Elementaita, Maiella, Nessuit, Mauche, Soin and Subukia. "The burden of undocumented land rights has been passed down through generations. Land disputes have also been a source of ethnic conflicts, destruction to properties, displacements and even death," he said.
Commissioner Mohammed Haji added that land disputes are particularly sensitive because they touch on people's identity, history, unity and community relations, beyond economic interests.
The draft regulations are intended to replace the 2017 regulations and establish clearer procedures for submitting claims, screening applications, conducting investigations, holding hearings and making determinations, as well as a clearer framework for reviewing decisions and handling appeals. The Commission said public input will be critical before the regulations are finalised.