The National Land Commission (NLC) on Tuesday convened public hearings on land regularization in Mandera Township, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable land administration across Kenya.
The hearings, held at the Mandera County Public Works Hall, follow a formal request for land regularization that was approved during the Commission’s 183rd Plenary Session.
According to a statement by the Commission, the initiative adheres to Section 14 of the Land Act, which requires public notification before any allocation of public land.
“In accordance with Section 14 of the Land Act, a 30-day Notice of Intention to Allocate was published in The Standard newspaper on September 3, 2025,” the Commission noted.
Following the publication of the notice, the Commission received multiple objections and comments from members of the public and various stakeholders regarding the proposed regularization.
In response, the NLC organized the hearings to give all concerned parties an opportunity to present, clarify, and document their positions in an open forum.
“To uphold transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, the Commission has organized these hearings to provide all individuals and institutions who submitted objections or feedback with an opportunity to present and clarify their concerns,” the NLC stated.
The sessions are being chaired by Commissioner Reginald Okumu, with participation from NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi, Commissioner James Tuitoek, and Commissioner Esther Murugi, who joined the proceedings virtually.
The secretariat overseeing the process is led by Zacharia Ndege, the Deputy Director of Land Administration and Management.
Okumu emphasised that the hearings form a critical part of the Commission’s drive to strengthen public participation and institutional trust in land governance.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that every Kenyan has the opportunity to be heard and that land administration is guided by the principles of equity, justice, and good governance,” he said.
NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi reiterated that public engagement lies at the heart of the Commission’s mandate, highlighting that the hearing process ensures decisions are informed by diverse perspectives from local residents, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
“This process demonstrates our unwavering commitment to public participation and accountability,” the Commission affirmed, adding that all submissions and testimonies presented at the Mandera forum will be carefully reviewed before final decisions on land allocation are made.
The Mandera hearings reflect a growing emphasis within the NLC on devolving land governance processes and ensuring that community voices shape land allocation outcomes.
The sessions also illustrate the Commission’s intent to mitigate disputes and strengthen tenure security, particularly in historically contested regions.
The NLC further thanked the Mandera County Government and local communities for their cooperation and participation, acknowledging that effective land management requires joint effort and dialogue between the state and its citizens.
