𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands chaired by Hon. Joash Nyamoko met with officials of the National Lands Commission (NLC) led by the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Getrude Nguku and Commissioner, Mr. Reginald Okumu to consider the Land Laws Amendment Bill, 2023.

In their submissions, the NLC team informed the Members that a number of amendments proposed in the Bill will create a conflict of interest between the National Government and county governments.

The Commission also raised concerns over the amendments which propose to transfer several functions including the publication of Gazette Notices of Intention to Acquire, inspection of properties to be acquired, oversight on determination of legal and financial claims by Project Affected Persons and issuance of awards from the Commission to the Ministry of Lands.

"Clause 107 of the Land Laws Amendment Bill should be deleted because the proposed amendment will create a conflict of interest whereby the National Government determines the location of projects, approves the acquisition, determines the value, provides compensation funds and makes the payment," said Mrs. Nguku.

Members noted that the Commission supported less than 10 percent of the proposed amendments and have not provided justification or made alternative proposals.

“The impact of the proposed amendments to the Land Laws Amendment Bill is enormous. This Bill should be taken seriously. It is very important for this Committee to understand and take into consideration all dimensions of this legislation by interacting with all stakeholders," Hon. Nyamoko said.