The Ministry of Lands has explained that recent amendments to the Land Act are intended to strengthen safeguards over public land and ensure proper management, not to impose additional fees or alter ownership types.
These changes were among eight bills signed into law by President William Ruto last Wednesday and will officially take effect on November 4, 2025.
Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir said the updates are focused on administrative improvements and aim to prevent misuse or illegal occupation of public property.
“The amendments further require the registration of public land and land earmarked for public amenities to be published in the Kenya Gazette to ensure transparency and accountability,” Korir said. “This will prevent any grabbing of such land or its later use for private purposes.”
The amendments require the Chief Land Registrar to record all public land allocated to government bodies or institutions by the National Land Commission, as well as any land set aside in approved development plans for public amenities like schools, hospitals, and playgrounds.
Social media discussions have raised questions about the timing of the law, coinciding with the nation’s mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Korir, however, rejected suggestions that the law converts freehold to leasehold or introduces new land levies, calling such claims misleading.
Under the new rules, public entities can now apply for registration of land given to them by the National Land Commission. Private developers and land-buying firms must also register parcels reserved for public use.
Once registered, the Land Registrar will issue a certificate of title and publish details in the Kenya Gazette. Certificates will be issued in the name of incorporated public entities, to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury for unincorporated entities, or to the relevant county government.
The ministry emphasized that these measures are aimed at enhancing accountability, preventing illegal land use, and ensuring public land remains available for intended community purposes.
