Experts warn of irregular allocations of public land

By Mutinda Mwanzia

Experts have warned of irregular allocations of land and duplication of title deeds as the current electoral cycle comes to an end in 2012.

The Land Development and Governance Institute said there was need to urgently establish a National Land Commission to step up the much-needed reforms in the land sector.

Yesterday, a land expert, Ibrahim Mwathane, who is also a past chairman of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, said the unpopular institutional reforms proposed for the Ministry of Lands were causing panic among land speculators.

"It is a perfect scenario for chasing last minute benefits where one can. We caution that there is likely to be a field day in the ministry during this transition period," said Mwathane.

He said guidelines and institutional arrangements to protect Kenyans against free for all land grab and abuse of authority during the transition period were necessary.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  End of an era: No more Form One admissions as reforms start
• 
  How Gachagua's impeachment could shape the country's future
• 
  Generation Z has transformed our political, social landscape
• 
  Hundreds stare at eviction after influential officials invade land

"The rush is usually motivated by the need to raise funds for campaigns or to reward those who helped them win the polls," said Mwathane.

Enhance transparency

He said computerisation of the Lands Ministry was welcome as it would fast track service delivery and enhance transparency, thus reducing corruption. "There remains a lot of pending and urgent work regarding land reforms and the minister, James Orengo, should ensure constitutional and policy frameworks are put in place on time," added Mwathane.

He said some key ministries that were part of the land reform agenda such as Lands and Local Government needed to change to promote public confidence.

He was speaking in Nairobi during the launch of a land reforms scorecard. Land experts Mwenda Makathimo, Johnstone Kiamba and ISK chairman Collins Kowuor were present.

Makathimo said some key institutions supposed to play a major role in the reform process are not well known by the public for example professional and civil society organisations.

"These institutions will need to create more awareness to ensure that the public understands their roles in the reform process," he said.