Kenya: Surveyors Fault Lack of Land Professionals in New NLC Appointments

Nairobi — The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has raised concerns over the appointment of six commissioners to the National Land Commission (NLC) and Chairperson, arguing that the process sidelined qualified land professionals.

In a statement, ISK President Eric Nyadimo said the law requires that appointees to the Commission possess professional expertise in land-related fields.

The concerns follow President William Ruto's submission of nominees to Parliament last week for approval as Chairperson and six members of the NLC.

Among those nominated are former Banisa MP Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed and former Kajiado Woman Representative Mary Yiane Seneta.

"We wonder whether there was a scoring system by the Selection Panel. Does it mean that the landed professionals who applied for these positions scored so low as to warrant their exclusion? Can these scores be made public?" Nyadimo posed.

Under Section 8(1) and 8(2) of the National Land Commission Act (Cap. 281), a person qualifies for appointment as Chairperson or Member of the Commission if they hold a degree from a recognized university and have experience in land law, spatial planning or land economics. The law further requires at least 15 years' experience for the Chairperson and 10 years for members.

The NLC is mandated to manage public land on behalf of national and county governments, advise on land registration, conduct research on land and natural resource use, investigate historical land injustices, monitor registration of land rights and interests, develop land information systems, and oversee land use planning nationwide.

"We urge the President to relook at these appointments. The appointments need to give effect to both the letter and spirit of Section 8 of the National Land Commission Act, ensuring that the NLC reflects the multidisciplinary expertise necessary for the effective management of Kenya's land resources," Nyadimo said.

"We reiterate that land governance must be guided by law, technical competence and public interest."

Read the original article on Capital FM.