Nairobi: The National Land Commission (NLC) and the Community Land Action Network (CLAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to improving community land tenure in Kenya by renewing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) until April 2027. This partnership focuses on policy dialogue and addressing historical land injustices throughout the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the renewed agreement builds upon the initial MoU signed in 2021. It solidifies collaboration between the constitutional commission and civil society organizations working with indigenous peoples and local communities to protect community land rights. During a ceremony at NLC Headquarters in Nairobi, NLC CEO Kabale Tache highlighted past achievements and the shared vision that guides this renewed partnership.
Tache noted that the MoU supports the Commission's constitutional duties under Article 67 of the Constitution, which include managing public land and advising the government on comprehensive land registration programs. It also involves investigating historical land injustices and promoting culturally appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms across the country.
Tache emphasized that the MoU's implementation is not symbolic. The Commission will convene technical working groups, mobilize resources, provide data, and integrate processes into national policies. CLAN, under the renewed partnership, will organize community resource persons and implement interventions in targeted counties to ensure that community land rights are respected and protected.
CLAN President Dr. Abubakar Lewano described the MoU renewal as a significant milestone in securing community land rights. He emphasized the partnership's role in giving practical effect to the Constitution and the Community Land Act. Dr. Lewano highlighted the importance of the collaboration between CLAN and NLC in turning policy commitments into real protection on the ground.
NLC Partnership Committee Chairperson, Commissioner Tiyah Galgalo, praised CLAN for mobilizing communities and providing critical support where government resources are limited. He highlighted the tangible results achieved through the partnership, particularly in addressing historical land injustices.
NLC Commissioner Esther Murugi reiterated the importance of sustained cooperation between the Commission and community-based organizations. She emphasized the need for resources to address historical land injustice claims and highlighted the success stories resulting from the collaboration.
CLAN Steering Committee Chairperson Samante Anne underlined the importance of long-term collaboration between state and non-state actors to protect communal land rights. She expressed hope that the collaboration would continue beyond 2027, given the ongoing need to protect community lands.
Speakers at the event stressed that secure community land tenure is crucial for livelihoods, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The renewed MoU aims to strengthen coordination between the National Land Commission, the National Land Secretariat, and community networks across Kenya. By enhancing collaboration, the partnership seeks to ensure that community land rights remain central to Kenya's land governance, social justice, and sustainable development agenda.