The National Assembly Committee on Lands on Monday subjected National Land Commission (NLC) chairman nominee Saggaf Alawy to detailed questioning over his technical expertise, wealth declaration, and involvement in past land disputes.
During the vetting session in Parliament, MPs probed whether Saggaf possessed the necessary background in land matters, particularly surveying, to lead the commission effectively.
Kirinyaga Central MP Joseph Gitari raised concerns over the technical capacity of nominees, noting that future appointments should prioritise professionals such as surveyors.
“We needed a learned expert. While we cannot challenge the nominating authority, I propose that the two commissioners retiring in December be considered as surveyors, and that we amend the clauses regarding the hiring of commissioners,” he said.
Gitari also highlighted inconsistencies in Saggaf’s academic claims, noting, “He says that the survey class was confusing, but the submitted CV shows something different.”
Responding, Saggaf insisted that he had undertaken survey classes at Egerton University, saying, “Yes I did my classes of surveyor in Egerton and I have all my transcripts.”
The committee also scrutinised Saggaf’s connection to the long-running Wasini Island land dispute in Kwale County. He confirmed that his family shares ownership of the land with other residents and promised to recuse himself if the matter returns to the commission.
“About Wasini Island land dispute that case was came into a conclusion, if the case comes back to NLC I will recuse myself and pave way for the law to guide to avoid conflict of interest,” he said.
MPs questioned how Saggaf’s previous experience, including his role at the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), would help him address challenges at the NLC.
Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai asked, “While in ADC, what did you sort out and you believe you will as well sort out NLC issues, and Wasini if comes back really will you handle the issue diligently?”
Kuria West MP Mathias Robi pressed the nominee to clarify his wealth and land ownership. “You hold the position of chairman at ADC, what size do you own in this country and declare the value,” he asked. Saggaf confirmed his shareholding in the disputed Wasini land, stating, “I belong to the family that owns to the 309 ha of land in Wasini and I do not think I have ownership other that the share I have out of the 400 people in that land. The land is full occupied.”
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana expressed unease over Saggaf’s reported dealings with influential landowners and private companies.
“Coastal people had high hopes that they would get back their lands and indicated that he dealt with tycoons. When I hear that the nominee facilitated Mombasa Cement, I’m worried when he mentions tycoons,” he said.
Committee chair Joash Nyamoko sought clarification on a specific transaction, asking, “You said you leased 52,000Ha to Mombasa cement and you’re happy with that?”
Saggaf was also questioned about his declared net worth and plans to leverage technology at the commission.
Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit asked, “He claims a net worth of Sh66 million or was it 62? You say you’re going to revolutionize technology, but how can you do that without being tech-savvy or having the right expertise?” The nominee defended his approach, emphasizing the commission’s professional support structures: “I believe in what I have seen, they have a very strong staff and I don’t think the commission will suffer from that. The secretariat will support the team in place.”
He further clarified, “My wealth is Sh62 million as my net worth and the value of the land that I own is a few millions and I needed to have the data to have the exact figure, the size in hectares is 9-10 and not more than that and all are in Kwale.”
Garissa Township MP Mohamed Dekow Barrow raised concerns over recurring conflicts between the NLC and the Ministry of Lands, asking how Saggaf would resolve overlapping mandates.
In response, Saggaf acknowledged the challenges but said the legal framework was clear and promised to bring the two entities together to address long-standing disputes.
“I’m aware of the confusion but the law is clear and the Ministry has its mandate as the NLC is mandated as well. If confirmed I will bring the two entities to solve the lang standing to formulate the solution,” he said.
