Lands

The National Land Commission (NLC) has commenced the final phase of surveying and demarcating land around the Thwake Dam project, paving the way for the return of unutilized land to local residents and the Makueni County Government.

The two-month long mapping exercise will also ensure land is set aside for road access and essential utilities that support both the dam project and the surrounding communities.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. who hosted NLC officials who paid him a courtesy call, lauded the initiative, describing it as a progressive step in public resource accountability.

He said families whose land was partially acquired for the project will now regain access to their parcels.

Sospeter Ohanya, NLC Deputy Director of Survey said 96 per cent of land owners have been compensated.

In Kenya, inheriting land from a deceased family member requires following the country’s Laws of Succession — a process that demands documents like a death certificate, a clear list of beneficiaries and legal grants from the court.

For many families, these steps are often misunderstood, leading to endless disputes.

To bridge this gap, the County Government of Makueni on Monday held legal clinics on land succession at Kee Ward in Kaiti Sub County.

These clinics are open forums where residents learn from county legal experts and ask questions freely.

The Monday exercise, led by County Solicitor Jennifer M Kyumwa drew hundreds of locals eager to understand how to safeguard family property.

Kyumwa said the program is meant to empower families with knowledge and disclosed that similar events will be rolled out in other Wards.

Area MCA Ulbarnus Manzu and Lower Eastern LSK Chairperson Makau Mutua attended the event.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has officially assented to the Mbooni-Kee Municipality Charter, following its approval by the County Assembly. This marks a significant milestone toward the municipality’s full operationalization, including the transfer of functions, budgetary allocations, and staffing.

The new municipality will oversee key functions such as infrastructure development, solid waste management, and development control—bringing services closer to the people for improved efficiency and accessibility.

Mbooni-Kee becomes Makueni’s third municipality, after Wote and Emali-Sultan Hamud.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, CECM for Lands Paul Musila, CECM for Education Japheth Mang’oka, CECM for Devolution Nicolas Nzioka, and Chief Officer for Lands Jackson Daudi on Thursday morning.

Makueni County today hosted the Counties Dialogue and Land Clinics on Land Governance and Land Use Planning, officially opened by Dr. Paul Musila, CECM for Lands, accompanied by the ECM for Trade, CECM for Finance, Chief Officer Lands, County Solicitor, County officials, and Members of the County Assembly Lands Committee.

The forum was organised by the Kenya Institute of Planners in collaboration with the National Land Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Council of Governors, and the Makueni County Government.

While addressing the forum, Dr. Musila emphasised the importance of integrated land use planning as a foundation for development.

The Dialogue sought to:

Address Land succession in the county

Foster partnerships for sustainable and inclusive land use planning.

Address challenges such as land tenure insecurity, urbanisation pressures, and environmental sustainability.

Enhance capacity and knowledge sharing among county stakeholders.

Promote participatory approaches in land governance for equitable development.

Makueni County remains committed to strengthening land governance systems as a key pillar for sustainable socio-economic growth and harmonious communities.