National lands commission chair Muhamad Swazuri at a past media briefing[photocredit:standard.co.ke]
Individuals who own idle land risk losing ownership rights upon expiry of lease.
These are new regulations put forth by the National Land Commission, in a bid to cub absurd upsurge of land prices by dealers and speculators.
The land renewal of leases rules 2017 which were published last week has halted automatic renewal of leases unless it benefits the country economically. The rules affect all parcels of unattended land irrespective of size and location in order to release iddle land held by individuals and corporations for future price speculative purposes.
“The commission shall, in consultation with the national or county government ensure that the renewal is beneficial to the economy and the country as a whole, 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.” Said commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri during an interview with the nation as he unveiled the new rules.
Landlords who apply for renewal of leases are set to undergo thorough background scrutiny as part of the compliance review process. They also have to sign new tenure of lease terms under the new rules.