Kenya’s 4th Regional Research Conference on Land Reforms Opens in Nairobi, Focuses on Equity, Technology, and Rule of Law

By John Toris

Nairobi, Kenya — May 20, 2025

The Fourth Regional Research Conference on land reforms kicked off today at the Kenya School of Government, bringing together key players from the land sector to evaluate progress and chart a sustainable, equitable path forward. The three-day conference themed, "Taking Stock of the Land Reform Progress in Kenya,” has drawn government officials, legal experts, financial institutions, surveyors, and civil society stakeholders.

PHOTO: Chief guets and invited speakers pose for a photo during the 4th Regional Research Conference in Nairobi

In her opening remarks, Land Secretary Ms. Sarah Maina, representing Principal Secretary Hon. Generali Nixon Korir, reported significant achievements by the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning in aligning Kenya’s land administration with the 2010 Constitution. “To improve the ease of doing business and ensure transparency in land transactions, we have prioritized automation of land services.  Ardhi Sasa is now live in Nairobi, Murang’a, and Mombasa,” Ms. Maina announced.

PHOTO: Land Secretary Ms. Sarah Maina, representing Principal Secretary Hon. Generali Nixon Korir during the 4th Regional Research Conference on Land Reforms in Nairobi

She highlighted several milestones achieved over the past four years, including the issuance of over two million title deeds countrywide, the resettlement of more than 40,000 landless households, and the development of the National Land Value Index across counties.

Ms. Maina also noted the establishment and operationalization of six new land registries and the digital transformation of land services through the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS), Ardhisasa.

Despite the progress, she acknowledged that challenges remain. “The continued reliance on manual processes in many land offices, low digital literacy among landowners, and funding limitations due to austerity measures are still hurdles we must overcome.”

Hon. Justice Oscar Omugo Angote, Presiding Judge of the Environment and Land Court (ELC), presented a judicial perspective on the land reform journey. He sharply criticized entrenched fraud and the commodification of land in Kenya.

“Fraud in land transactions is a perennial plague that continues to undermine the integrity of the sector,” said Justice Angote. “The commodification of land threatens equity, justice, and social cohesion. We must shift our mindset and approach land not just as a commodity, but as a foundation for identity, livelihood, and sustainable development.”

Justice Angote emphasized the urgent need for full digitization of land records and geo-referencing of all parcels to eliminate boundary-based title disputes. He also called for stricter adherence to zoning regulations, noting that a rising number of cases in the ELC involve developments that breach planning and land use laws.

“We need stronger coordination between planners, legal experts, and government agencies to enforce zoning and ensure orderly, lawful, and sustainable development,” he urged.

National Bank of Kenya Director, George Odhiambo, also addressed delegates, focusing on the financial and social dimensions of land reform. He stressed the importance of equitable access to land and the protection of women’s land rights, noting that secure tenure is critical for economic empowerment. “Land is more than just an asset,” he said. “It is identity, livelihood, and a key driver of economic growth. Addressing informal ownership and gender inequality is essential to Kenya’s development agenda.” Mr. Odhiambo praised the digitization of records via Ardhisasa and reaffirmed the bank’s support for financial inclusion tied to secure land tenure.

“We are committed to empowering communities by improving access to credit through secure land rights. This is how we unlock sustainable development,” he said. 

Also in attendance were Kabale Tache, CEO of the National Land Commission, and Eric Nyadimo, President of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK), alongside researchers and policymakers. The conference is expected to yield critical policy recommendations as Kenya continues its ambitious journey to reform land governance, improve service delivery, and promote social justice.


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