Why amending land laws is long overdue

The proposed amendments to the land laws through the Land Law (Amendment) Bill 2015, commonly referred to as the omnibus law, have generated heated debate from a cross-section of stakeholders as well as members of the public. That was expected, land being historically an emotive subject in Kenya.

Acting Lands Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i (right), has a word with National Assembly Lands Committee Chairman Thomas Mwadegu in Nairobi recently after meeting the committee on Land bills. (PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO/ STANDARD)

The proposed amendments were long overdue, especially in light of the persistent wrangles and conflicts between the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission (NLC), as well as the seemingly stalled implementation of land reforms in Kenya. Amendments to the land laws have been a long time coming.