By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 7 August 2026 - The National Land Commission (NLC) has launched public consultations on the proposed Investigation of Historical Land Injustice Regulations, 2026,with Samburu residents urging the commission to broaden the types of evidence accepted in resolving long-standing land disputes.
During a public participation forum in Wamba Sub-County,residents called on the commission to recognise oral testimony as admissible evidence, arguing that many people directly involved in historical land transactions and injustices have since died, making documentary proof difficult to obtain.
The consultations were led by NLC Vice Chairperson Dr Julie Oseko and Commissioner Mohamed Abdi Mohamed,who engaged residents and stakeholders on the draft regulations that will guide the investigation and determination of historical land injustice claims.
Participants also pressed for greater inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in land-related decision-making, saying their voices have often been overlooked in discussions affecting land rights.
Residents highlighted a range of historical grievances, including colonial-era land alienation, evictions linked to wildlife conservation, and unresolved border disputes,which they said continue to affect livelihoods and fuel conflicts in the region.
Historical land injustice claims involve allegations of displacement, dispossession and irregular acquisition of land arising from unjust laws, policies and practices. Many cases date back to the colonial period and successive post-independence governments, with claims involving forced evictions, fraud, coercion and other actions attributed to the State or those acting under its authority.
Dr Oseko said the public participation exercise was designed to ensure affected communities help shape the legal framework that will govern the commission's handling of historical land injustice claims.
She noted that the exercise is anchored in Articles 1(2) and 10(2)(a) of the Constitution,which guarantee the people's sovereign power and make public participation a national value guiding policy formulation and implementation.
As part of the visit, the NLC delegation paid a courtesy call on Samburu Deputy County Commissioner Mogere Lumumba,where Dr Oseko praised the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) for mobilising communities and supporting public participation efforts.
She said collaboration between the commission and NGAO is critical in ensuring people, particularly those in remote areas, are informed and able to take part in decisions affecting their land rights.
The forum brought together local residents, county officials and representatives of civil society organisations, including IMPACT Kenya.
Also present were Samburu County Coordinator John Lolkitekui, County Administrator John Lenareu and other county and community leaders.
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