NLC chair Mohammed Swazuri.[Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Lands and Physical Planning Cabinet Secretary, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi has said complexities and sensitivities involving historical land Injustices must be confronted and resolved.
“These injustices have been a problem since June 15, 1895, when Kenya became a protectorate under the British East African Protectorate. claims of historical land injustices have in the past been politicised and used to divide Kenyans along ethnic and political lines,” he said.
Prof Kaimenyi spoke when the National Land Commission (NLC) chairman, Prof Muhammad Swazuri, addressed journalists on the progress made in addressing historical land injustices.
He said the ministry together with NLC, as key actors in Land sector, will ensure claims of such injustices will not be used to divide Kenyans.
“The ministry will take initiative to consult with other relevant hands of government for funding to ensure the resolutions and Historical Land Injustices get the support they require,” said the CS. Prof Swazuri said NLC has appointed a committee of four commissioners supported by a technical team to spearhead the commission’s mandate with regard to redress Historical Land Injustices.
The committee has prepared a register for all claims received, which now stand at 111. Most claims submitted are from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Nandi, Murang’a Narok, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Nairobi. Most claims relate to the loss of land and livelihoods, restoration of ancestral land rights and eviction from government forests.
Prof Swazuri said the Commission will officially launch Historical Land Injustices programme in Murang’the next month. The programme seeks to provide a clear roadmap with a detailed schedule, time frame, an outline of activities, and assignment of responsibilities with regard to adjudication of present and injustices.