The formulation of a comprehensive National Land Policy commenced in February 2004. In April 2007, a Draft National Land Policy was adopted by stakeholders through a National Symposium. The Seventh Cabinet meeting held on 25th June, 2009 approved the Draft National Land Policy and directed the Minister for Lands to proceed with the preparation of the Sessional Paper for presentation to Parliament. The Sessional Paper is now ready and this marks a critical milestone in the National Land Policy Formulation Process.
The National Land Policy is based on views and expert opinions collected and collated through a structured all-inclusive and consultative process that brought together stakeholders drawn from the pubic, private and civil society organizations. The broad based process of consultations was carried out around identified thematic areas that formed the nuclei of stakeholder engagement and consensus building, and conducted through workshops, seminars, submission of memoranda and topical research papers.
The various sectoral policies and strategic plans that have been developed by other Government Ministries and Agencies were consulted to ensure that the Land Policy recommendations are relevant and roundly consistent with other policy standpoints. In a large measure, the Land Policy has benefited from the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Land Law System of Kenya, the Report of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission and the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Illegal/Irregular Allocation of Public Land. Further, the Land Policy Formulation Process has been informed by the various key Government Policy standpoints including the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, the Economic Recovery Strategy Paper for Wealth and Employment Creation and the National Environment Management and Coordination Policy.
This Sessional Paper, therefore, presents the issues and policy recommendations that have been identified, analyzed and agreed upon by the stakeholders. It is a hall mark of the rare sense of dialogue and collaboration between the Government and the Citizenry in tackling, arguably, the most emotive and culturally sensitive issue in Kenya. In this respect, therefore, the Paper will form the foundation upon which the administrative and legislative framework will be built. This is the framework that will drive the critically required land reforms in this country.
It is, however, necessary to point out that the act of formulating a National Land Policy will not, on its own, bring about the envisaged land reforms. There is need for goodwill and commitment from everyone to ensure a smooth implementation of the reforms. In this regard, participation of all stakeholders will continue to be sought and enhanced by encouraging regular consultations and dialogue. The Government, on its part, will provide an enabling policy environment through the establishment of essential institutions and provision of sufficient financial support.