Do not undermine credibility of NLC

 

Since President William Ruto’s pronouncement on the mandate of the National Lands Commission (NLC) last year, there has been spirited efforts by some forces within the government to water down its constitutional ordinance.

He directed the Ministry of Lands to take over the duties of valuation of land from NLC in a move, he claimed, is meant to bring transparency to the compensation process.

Following the order, the Kenya Kwanza administration has prepared a Bill to be tabled in the National Assembly aimed to clip the powers of the commission to evaluate and value land for compensation.

The Land (Amendment) Bill 2023 spearheaded by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa seeks to transfer the mandate of compulsory land acquisition to the Lands Cabinet Secretary.

Under the current Land Act 2012, NLC has the exclusive powers to conduct valuation and pay compensation for land compulsorily acquired by all government ministries and agencies.

Proponents of the proposed law changes to empower the Lands Cabinet Secretary claim the move is aimed at eliminating land scandals and corruption as well as end the conflict of interest that occurs as a result of the valuation process being handled by only one entity.

It is also said the proposed law would ease the compensation process since it would enable the acquiring government entity to have direct control in making compensation. But questions abound.

Has there been any investigation to expose individuals involved in corrupt malpractices at NLC and how many have been prosecuted?

Under the 2010 constitutional dispensation, requisite processes to deal with rogue government agencies are clearly outlined.

Though there have been previous cases of underhand dealings at NLC, that have seen the prosecution of high flying former officials, the current commission has not conducted any major valuation for compensation in which corruption was perpetrated.

Besides that, the history of past and present top custodians at the Lands ministry does not inspire so much public confidence in their capacity to protect communities from land grabs and irregular allocations. Corrupt activities of former land commissioners and their cronies still stink to the high heavens.

BY PD.CO.KE