The National Land Commission (NLC) has officially handed over its Exit Report to President William Ruto at State Lodge in Kitui County, marking the conclusion of the Second Commission’s six-year term.
The report, presented by outgoing Chairperson Gershom Otachi and his team, captures key achievements, policy frameworks, and landmark research findings intended to guide Kenya’s future land governance agenda.
Speaking during the handover, President Ruto commended the Commission for its dedication and contribution to resolving long-standing land disputes and improving tenure security for Kenyans.
“The National Land Commission (NLC) has played a vital role in safeguarding public land and shaping fair policies,” said President Ruto.
“Since it was created under the 2010 Constitution, the NLC has resolved long-standing disputes and, as a result, tens of thousands of Kenyans have been settled and received land ownership documents.”
The President acknowledged the exemplary service of the outgoing commissioners, Chairperson Gershom Otachi, Vice-Chairperson Gertrude Nduku Nguku, Prof. James Tuitoek, and Kazungu Kambi, thanking them for their dedication and wishing them well in their future endeavours.
According to Kabale Tache Orero, CHRP, the CEO of the National Land Commission, the session represented a historic milestone for Kenya’s land management framework.
“I had the distinct honour of accompanying the outgoing NLC Chairperson, Gershom Otachi, and the Commissioners as we formally handed over the Second Commission's Exit Report to His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto at State Lodge in Kitui County,” said Orero.
“It was a significant moment, marking the conclusion of this Commission's term and the transfer of our work to the nation's leadership.”
Orero detailed that several groundbreaking policy and research documents were presented during the handover.
“Among the most pivotal is Kenya's first-ever Natural Resource Atlas, alongside our research on the effects of land fragmentation on food security,” she noted.
“We also submitted the National Land Policy Recommendations Handbook on Investigation Guidelines and our 2024/2025 Annual Report, all intended to provide a clear path for improving land governance in the country.”
She further expressed gratitude for President Ruto’s support throughout the Commission’s tenure, noting that his recognition of the NLC’s contributions underscores the importance of collaborative land reform efforts.
“His Excellency, the President graciously acknowledged the substantial work accomplished by the outgoing Commission,” Orero said.
The Exit Report and accompanying documents are expected to serve as key references for policy continuity and sustainable land governance as Kenya transitions to the next phase of land reforms.