State Department for Lands, Marsabit County and NLC Lead Landmark Sensitization on Community Land Act

Senior officers from the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, the Marsabit County Government and the National Land Commission (NLC) have concluded a nine-day sensitization campaign across Laisamis Constituency, Loiyangalani Sub-County in Marsabit County to educate communities on the Community Land Act and strengthen local land governance.

The joint exercise brought together national and county authorities in a unified effort to empower residents with knowledge on land rights, registration processes, and the importance of formal community land ownership.

The forums were held in South Horr, Kurungu, Ntaletiani, Gatab in Mt. Kulal, Olturot, Loiyangalani, Elmolo Bay, and Kargi; areas where community land plays a central role in identity, heritage, and economic opportunity. The initiative aimed to equip residents with the tools to manage their land collectively, understand governance structures, and appreciate the benefits of formalizing community land ownership.

Welcoming the team, Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau noted the initiative comes at a crucial time, providing communities with the knowledge and support needed to secure their land rights.

"Your presence here gives our communities the clarity and confidence they need to protect their land and plan their future. This sensitization will help reduce disputes, enhance cohesion, and ensure that every resident understands the value and responsibilities of community land," said the County Commissioner.

Deputy Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, Andrew Khaemba, leading the State Department for Lands' team, highlighted that secure community land tenure is essential for reducing conflicts, promoting sustainable resource management, and enhancing investor confidence.

"Community land registration is not just a legal process but also a pathway to empowerment. We want every community in Marsabit to secure their land, avoid conflicts, and benefit from the resources around them," said Khaemba.

He emphasized that no community has exclusive rights over natural resources; they are shared assets that require coexistence, cooperation, and equitable access for all. He added that the sensitization underscored the importance of cohesion among communities and fair benefit sharing to strengthen peace and sustainable development.

County leaders echoed the importance of empowering residents to take charge of their land. Marsabit County Executive Committee Member for Lands (CECM) Adan Hirbo observed that community land registration opens pathways for economic growth and legal protection.

"The Community Land Act gives our people a voice. Once communities register their land and form governance structures, they open the door to development, stability, and future investments," he said.

Chief Officer for Lands Galm Guyo expressed appreciation for the exercise:

"We are proud to have supported this initiative and commend the collective effort that made it a success. We remain committed to backing such activities and look forward to continued collaboration to build on the progress achieved for our people," said Guyo.

Notably, the forums saw unprecedented participation by women, who came out in large numbers to actively engage in discussions on community land and natural resource governance, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusive decision making.

The NLC also highlighted the value of strong governance structures such as Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs).

"When communities understand how to manage their land collectively, they prevent disputes and attract investors. Knowledge is the first step toward economic transformation," said Marsabit County Coordinator Abdullahi Jillo.

Local elders and residents welcomed the initiative, noting that awareness has long been a gap.

"For years we feared losing our land because we did not know the law. Today, we finally understand how to protect our heritage for future generations," said Edidio Lekulo during the Olturot forum in Mt. Kulal.

Following the sensitization, communities were guided on the registration of community land, a critical step to strengthen their rights and ensure fair benefit-sharing from local natural resources. Registering community land will allow local residents to fully benefit from investment projects in their area, such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power, promoting equitable resource sharing and sustainable development.
 

From this sensitization, the process will now progress to the registration of communities and subsequently the registration of their community land, ensuring secure rights, stronger governance structures, and transparent management of natural resources.

This exercise forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen community land governance, deepen public participation, and support communities in securing their land rights under the Community Land Act, 2016.