Garissa County is among the over 40 counties across the country that are yet to develop the decade-long spatial plans as directed by the National Lands Commission (NLC).
The plan is a blueprint that provides for an intended structure by indicating the desired land use and patterns of the county and forms a reference framework for preparation of lower level land usage.
According to Abigael Mukolwe, the NLC vice chair, the plans are so critical to counties because they guide the allocation of scarce public resources with the aim of achieving maximum satisfaction with priority.
"Spatial plans are very instrumental in guiding, regulating growth and developments in counties," Mukolwe says.
She notes that it is only through such plans or rather provisions that outstanding land utility issues will be cited and a favorite path towards their resolution charted.
The Constitution under the County Government Act of 2012 made it mandatory for all county governments to engage their local residents in the preparation of such plans.
So far, it is only Lamu, Kajiado, Kirinyaga and Kitui counties that have a spatial plan.