National Land Commission chair Muhammad Swazuri. [Photo/@maswazuri]
Firms and individuals who own idle pieces of land are at risk of losing them to the government upon the expiry of their terms of lease.
This is in line with a new law Land Extension and Renewal of Leases Rule 2017 published last week seeking to tighten the noose on investors who acquire land and leave it waiting for their prices to appreciate.
The new law has stopped automatic lease renewal and further seeks to ensure that each piece of land plays are role in national economic boost.
The new law is also seeking to deal with absentee land owners, a move that has been hailed by National Land Commission Chairman Muhammad Swazuri.
''The NLC shall, in consultation with the national or county government, ensure that the renewal is beneficial to the economy and the entire country,'' he was quoted by the Daily Nation.
''The investment purpose is in accordance with the national or regional or county policies and plans and the renewal is in public interest, public safety, public order, public morality, public health and land use planning,'' added Swazuri.
Owners who will successfully apply for renewal of leases will also be required to pay higher charges and renew their contractual terms.