Trans Nzoia County Launches Land Clinics to Empower Landowners

In a significant move to address land documentation issues, the Trans Nzoia County Government’s Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has initiated a five-day land clinic across its five sub-counties.

Beatrice Wangila, the County Director of Physical Planning, underscored the urgency of the clinics during the inaugural session at the Kiminini Catholic Church hall.

“The realization that many landowners are not fully utilizing their land due to a lack of proper documentation prompted this initiative,” Wangila stated.

The clinics aim to educate residents on land matters, particularly on acquiring land documents — a gap that has led to the underutilization of land resources.

“Our partnership with FAO is crucial in bringing these land issues closer to the people,” added Wangila.

The department will collaborate with land officials, including physical planners and representatives from the National Land Commission and the national government administration, to clarify their roles and assist stakeholders in understanding land tenure processes.

Wangila also highlighted the tangible benefits of possessing land ownership documents, such as leveraging land for bank loans and using title deeds as collateral in emergencies.

Kenneth Langat, the Kiminini Sub-County Physical Planner, elaborated on the planners’ role in land development and the importance of adhering to county spatial plans.

“Our objective is to ensure orderly and optimal land use that aligns with designated agricultural and industrial zones,” Langat explained.

Hellen Opondo, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Kiminini sub-county, emphasized the local administration’s involvement in land matters, including chairing land control boards that oversee land subdivision and applications.

Surveyor representative Ezekiel Khatila addressed the challenges faced by Trans-Nzoia farmers in securing land ownership documents.

“Despite a national land titling program launched in 2016, over 1300 title deeds remain unclaimed in Nairobi,” Khatila revealed.

The clinics also featured insights from the National Land Commission on public land management and policy improvements, as well as FAO’s commitment to enhancing food security and sustainable development through equitable land access.

Lynda Achieng, the FAO county representative, praised the land department’s efforts to enlighten residents on the significance of land tenure documents. “Secure land ownership is essential for productivity and aligns with the government’s food and nutrition goals,” Achieng noted.

The FAO’s vision for the program includes resolving land conflicts, improving policy frameworks, and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in line with Vision 2030.

The land clinics represent a proactive step towards empowering landowners in Trans Nzoia County, fostering a more informed and productive agricultural community.

For more information on the land clinics and their schedule, residents are encouraged to contact the county’s Department of Lands or visit their local administrative offices.