NLC launches policy documents for land use planning – Kenya News Agency

The National Land Commission has launched the tools to monitor and oversee the implementation of the National Spatial Plan (2015-2045) and the National Land Use Policy (Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2017).

Speaking during the Launch, Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said The National Land Use Policy (NLUP) sets out long-term goals on land use management to promote the best land use practices for optimal utilization of land resources.

Wamalwa noted that the National Spatial Plan (NSP) is one of the flagship projects identified under the Kenya Vision 2030 and provides a national spatial structure that defines how national space is utilised to ensure optimal and sustainable use of land.

On the other hand, the CS stated that the policy offers a framework of recommendations and principles designed to ensure the maintenance of a land use system that will provide for land use planning, resources allocation, Environmental management, Equitable utilization of land resources to meet governance, social economic and cultural obligations of the people of Kenya.

The CS added that the policy mitigates problems associated with poor land use and an integrated framework for the preparation of a National Spatial Plan and review of various land use Plans.

This, Wamalwa said, is imperative as it facilitates the achievement of the land policy principles of efficiency, equity, sustainability and productivity.

According to the CS, the Plan is anticipated to promote the attainment of national, social, economic and environmental objectives. Further, Wamalwa noted that the Plan provides strategies and policies to deal with national challenges including urbanization, regional imbalances and inequalities, rural development, environmental degradation, transportation and underutilization of the massive resources available in the country.

The implementation of the NSP will enable the country to achieve global competitiveness, balanced regional development, functional human settlements and environmental sustainability.

Wamalwa noted that the tools will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective and efficient implementation of National Spatial Plan and National Land Use Policy by the Ministries, County governments and other agencies.

“It is my hope that the tools will enhance accountability and more importantly facilitate the country to attain optimum utilisation and sustainable management of land and land-based resources, strengthen global competitiveness, economic efficiency, balanced regional development, livable and functional urban and rural human settlement and safeguard the natural environment for high quality of life,” he added.

He called upon all the stakeholders, particularly the Government Agencies and Departments responsible for implementation as well as the County Governments to make the tools their point of reference in implementing the National Spatial Plan and the National Land Use Policy.

Wamalwa urged the development partners to sustain and enhance collaboration by supporting the Commission in monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the National Spatial Plan and the National Land Use Policy for the benefit of all Kenyans.

In his remarks, NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi said the tools shall help the new government to monitor, oversee and guide reporting on performance of various public, private, communities and non-state actors in performing their obligations as outlined in the policy documents.

“The launch of the two crucial documents comes at a very timely moment when we are heading to transition, the tools shall guide the new government to outline performing agencies, and their obligations as mentioned in the National Land Use Policy and National Spatial Plan,” said Otachi.

He noted that two policy documents are essential ingredients for transforming how land is used and managed in our country.

By Catherine Muindi