Land reformists warn MPs over ‘issues’ in draft policy

By James Ratemo and Josephat Siror

A raging debate awaits Parliament, which convenes next week, over contentious issues contained in the draft land policy.

Non-State land reformists want Parliament to be wary of landowners, whom they say want to defeat the National Land Policy draft for selfish interests.

The draft, which has already been approved by Cabinet and awaiting Parliament approval has sparked outrage from owners of large tracts of land.

A group dubbed Kenya Land Owners Association (Kela) has termed the policy "dangerous and a threat to property rights", and there are fears the group will try to influence Parliament to defeat it.

The group maintains the policy is skewed, adding consensus was reached by only a few parties.

Under the auspices of Land Sector Non-State Actors, stakeholders claim Kela consists of land grabbers, absentee landlords and colonial settlers who wield large tracts of land, hence their opposition to the policy.

The poor have remained as squatters and this is one of the impunities that require urgent redress," said Kenya Land Alliance Executive Director Lumumba Odenda, adding: "There are 600,000 squatters across the country despite gaining independence."

The Alliance has rallied up support from Coast MPs and others to have the draft adopted next week.

The lobby warned the country risks sliding back to chaos if the policy fails in Parliament in line with Agenda Four of the National Accord.

The draft seeks to reduce lease period from the current 999 years to 99 years, and blocks foreigners from owning Kenyan land indefinitely.

This has not augured well with absentee landlords who enjoy a 999-year lease, making many Kenyans remain squatters for decades.

Haki Jamii Executive Director Odindo Opiata said history and Kenyans would judge MPs harshly should they treat the land debate casually, saying the issue would greatly influence voters’ choice of leaders come 2012.

"Kenyans are keenly watching how MPs will behave. It is time we settled the thorny issue of land reforms once and for all and the National Land Policy is key to such reforms," said Mr Opiata in sentiments supported by Haki-Focus Executive Director Harun Ndubi.

"The policy seeks to correct historical injustice and misdirected notion that current title holders should be the only ones that own land. The rich are propagating sanctity of property rights, which enriches a few and impoverishes many," said Mr Ndubi.

Under the existing laws, foreigners can apply for and be allocated land for any permissible use.

 

 

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