By John Kariuki
The National Land Commission (NLC), led by its CEO Ms. Kabale Tache Arero, today appeared before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Lands to present and defend the Commission’s Supplementary Estimates No. II for the financial year 2024/25. The session, held at Parliament Buildings, provided a crucial platform for discussions on budgetary allocations, policy implementation, and financial accountability within the Commission.
During the session, the NLC presented a detailed report outlining the implementation status of the 2024/25 budget, including expenditures on key programs. The report also highlighted variations in the approved budget, explaining adjustments and reallocations to meet strategic priorities, as well as performance targets, showcasing progress made and challenges encountered in executing its mandate.
Ms. Kabale Tache Arero emphasized that the supplementary budget was essential for enhancing land administration, expediting compensation for compulsory land acquisitions, and facilitating resolution of land disputes across the country. She assured the committee that all financial adjustments adhered to fiscal responsibility guidelines.
Members of the Parliamentary Lands Committee sought clarification on several issues, including land compensation delays, budget utilization, and pending land cases. MPs questioned the prolonged delays in compensating landowners affected by infrastructure projects, to which the Commission explained that such delays often result from legal disputes, valuation challenges, and bureaucratic processes but assured that efforts were underway to streamline the process. Legislators also demanded accountability on previously allocated funds, urging the Commission to ensure prudent use of public resources. Ms. Arero provided a breakdown of expenditures, demonstrating how funds had been utilized effectively. Additionally, the committee inquired about unresolved land disputes, particularly those involving historical land injustices and public land allocations. The NLC noted that mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms were being strengthened to expedite case resolution.
The engagement between the Commission and the committee underscored the importance of transparency and efficiency in land governance. The deliberations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping land policies, ensuring effective resource allocation, and enhancing service delivery within the sector. The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Parliament and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable and equitable land management in Kenya.
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