Dangerous Omission! Experts Warn Over New NLC Nominees

The professional body representing land experts has raised concern over recent developments that it says could have far reaching implications for governance, planning and property rights in the country.

In a strongly worded statement, the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) urged William Ruto to reconsider the recently nominated members of the National Land Commission (NLC), arguing that the current list sidelines critical land professionals.

The ISK warned that the exclusion of surveyors, valuers and land administrators from the commission could undermine effective land governance at a time when the country is grappling with historical land injustices, boundary disputes, compulsory acquisition processes and rapid urban expansion.

According to the institution, land management is a highly technical field that requires practical expertise and professional experience.

The body noted that while it respects the constitutional mandate of the appointing authorities, the absence of core land experts in the proposed line up raises questions about the commission’s ability to discharge its duties efficiently.

Land is one of the most sensitive and emotive resources in Kenya. Decisions made by the NLC affect millions of citizens, investors and communities. It is critical that those entrusted with such responsibilities possess demonstrable technical competence in land matters,” the statement read.

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The ISK emphasised that the NLC plays a central role in public land administration, valuation for compulsory acquisition, settlement programmes and advising both national and county governments on land policy.

Without representation from professionals trained in surveying, valuation and land economics, the institution argued, there is a risk of policy missteps and prolonged disputes.

Kenya has in the past witnessed numerous land related conflicts, some stretching back decades. Experts say the complexity of land records, titling systems and geospatial data requires commissioners who understand the technical and legal dimensions of land governance.

The surveyors’ body further urged the President and Parliament to ensure that appointments to independent commissions reflect merit, diversity of expertise and adherence to constitutional principles.

It maintained that professional inclusion would strengthen public confidence in the commission’s decisions and reduce litigation arising from contested land processes.

While acknowledging the President’s prerogative in nominating commissioners, the ISK called for dialogue and possible review of the nominees to guarantee that the NLC is equipped to handle emerging challenges such as digitisation of land records, infrastructure expansion and climate related land use pressures.

The statement has sparked debate within professional and political circles, with some supporting the call for technical representation, while others argue that broader governance skills are equally essential.

As the nomination process moves to the next stage, attention now shifts to lawmakers who will vet the proposed commissioners amid growing scrutiny from stakeholders in the land sector.