Group asks State to implement land policy

By Karanja Njoroge and Charles Langat

A group of non-governmental organisations have asked the Government to implement the National Land Policy.

Speaking a day after the Cabinet approved the policy, they challenged the Government to show its commitment to land reform by implementing the proposed law.

The group, which included Kenya Land Alliance (KLA), Shelter Forum and Kenya Human Rights Commission, said they would launch an awareness campaign to make leaders implement the policy.

KLA Co-ordinator Odenda Lumumba said land reforms are a key component of Agenda Four of the post-election peace deal, and should be addressed urgently.

"We are going to put pressure on the Government to ensure the policy is implemented," Lumumba said.

Political will

Addressing a Press conference in Nakuru, the group said though they welcome the Cabinet’s approval of the policy, they were sceptical about the political will.

They said the Government had approved key policies in the past but failed to actualise them.

Lumumba said the Government had not factored the policy in the Budget and this might hamper its implementation.

"It will require around Sh9 billion while the Government has only set aside Sh400 million to start the process," he said.

The group said, once implemented, the policy would address the perennial land conflicts, which had resulted in dispossession of hundreds of people.

"The policy will not only tackle the issue of displaced persons but will address historical injustices," he noted.

The group said the new law would address historical injustices dating back to colonial times.

"Among the key requirements for New Partnership for African Development is land reforms," he added.

 

 

Read all about: Kenya Land Alliance Shelter Forum Kenya Human Rights Commission

 

 

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