Institutional Roles and Coordination in Land Access and Acquisition

Land is a critical factor in sustaining livelihoods and socio-economic wellbeing in Kenya. It is also closely linked to community identity, history and culture. Despite the country’s considerable progress with regard to land reforms, unsustainable use, irregular allocations, tensions, and conflict continue to bedevil the land sector.

The entry of mining and oil & gas companies has heightened tensions around land access and acquisition. Host communities around the country have voiced concerns around denial of community access to specific sections of their land, how tracks of land under concessions were allocated, the size and process of compensation awarded, and environmental degradation and health risks associated with resource extraction.

The 6th Extractives Sector Forum (ESF) will focus on the role of different stakeholders and institutions charged with land administration. This has been informed by lack of clarity and coordination among key extractive sector institutions and stakeholders which became a key concern during the 5th ESF in March 2017.

The discussion will seek to demystify the institutional roles and coordination with regard to land access and acquisition for extractive activities in Kenya.

Participation is by invitation and those interested to participate should contact rose.kimotho [at] ihrb.org