President William Ruto is expected to formally approve seven individuals as members of the National Land Commission (NLC) following their approval by the National Assembly, even as MPs questioned the competence of some nominees.
This follows the adoption of a report by the National Assembly Lands Committee, which vetted the seven individuals after they were nominated by the President.
The nominees include Dr Abdillahi Alawy (Chairperson), Ms Susan Oyatsi, Mr Daniel Muriungi, Mr Vincent Cheruiyot, Dr Julie Oseko and former MPs Mohamed Haji and Ms Mary Seneta.
However, the approval of Dr Alawy is expected to raise concerns after he performed poorly during his vetting on Monday.
Despite the Lands Committee questioning his competence to serve, it still recommended his approval.
Funyula MP Dr Wilberforce Ojiambo Oundo, while stating that he had no issue with the approval of Ms Oyatsi, questioned the suitability of the other nominees to serve on the commission. His remarks came despite interjections from the Leader of the Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu) and Mr Nyamoko.
“I would have easily stood here and said I oppose this motion, but the commission has to run,” said Dr Oundo.
The MP noted the critical role that land plays in the country and expressed concern that individuals without expertise in land matters were being appointed to such an important institution.
“Are we serious as a country? Are we perpetuating land malpractices in the land sector? What kind of disservice are we doing to this country? It’s a sad day,” he said.
At this point, Mr Ichung’wah demanded that Dr Oundo substantiate his claims.
“He should stop disparaging people who are not here to defend themselves. He must substantiate his claims or withdraw and apologise,” said Mr Ichung’wah.
However, this did not stop the Funyula MP, nor did it prevent him from criticising members of the Lands Committee.
“Honestly speaking, you should have had the courage to go back to the appointing authority and clearly tell them that you have handed us... I don’t want to use the word incompetent commission, but that is exactly what it is,” said Dr Oundo.
According to the MP, the commission operates through committees focusing on different thematic areas, with each member assigned to a committee based on their expertise.
“I wonder how somebody with no experience in land matters, who has not practiced land law, will operate,” he said.
Section 5 of the NLC Act mandates the commission, among other responsibilities, to manage public land on behalf of the national and county governments and to recommend a national land policy to the national government.
Section 8 of the Act outlines the qualifications required for appointment as chairperson or member of the commission.
These include holding a degree and having at least 15 years of knowledge and experience in areas such as public administration, land management and administration, natural resource management, land adjudication and settlement, land law, land surveying, spatial planning, land economics, or social sciences, as well as meeting the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“We are populating the commission with Kenyans who have no qualifications at all, as clearly outlined in this Act,” said Dr Oundo.
During his vetting, committee members question Dr Alawy’s preparedness.
