The National Land Commission (NLC) launched a two-day stakeholder engagement forum on Monday at Kisii University to address the pressing issue of minimum viable agricultural land sizes in Kenya, focusing on Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, and Vihiga counties.
NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi, speaking at the opening ceremony, highlighted findings from a recent study conducted by the commission. The study revealed that land fragmentation, driven by inheritance and rapid population growth, poses a significant threat to the nation’s food security. Otachi also pointed to urban expansion and weak enforcement of planning and subdivision controls as key contributors to uneconomical farm sizes, declining agricultural productivity, and escalating land disputes.
“This advisory is a critical step forward for Kenya,” Otachi stated, referring to a draft advisory on minimum viable agricultural land sizes developed in collaboration with the University of Nairobi. Guided by the National Land Policy of 2009, Article 68 of the Constitution, and the Land Act of 2012, the advisory aims to provide an evidence-based framework to inform legislation and policymaking on minimum and maximum land sizes. Otachi emphasized that the advisory addresses previous reform challenges, which were stalled by insufficient data and limited public participation.
Kisii Governor H.E. Simba Arati described the initiative as timely, noting that Kisii County is among the hardest hit by land fragmentation. He underscored the importance of addressing this issue to ensure food security and foster development.
Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ongechi pledged the institution’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to share knowledge with local communities, stating, “Our mandate goes beyond teaching.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Deputy Country Representative, Hamisi, reaffirmed FAO’s support for the NLC’s efforts. On the second day of the forum, Dr. Mary Wandia, Deputy Director of Research, delivered closing remarks, outlining the next steps for the draft advisory and the dissemination of research findings on the effects of land fragmentation.
The forum marks a significant effort to address Kenya’s land fragmentation crisis and pave the way for sustainable agricultural policies.
