MPs demand urgent national land use policy to protect farmland
The legislators have raised concerns over the shrinking acreage under agriculture, linking it to unplanned settlements encroaching on farmland.
Members of Parliament have renewed calls for a national land use policy to safeguard agricultural land, warning that uncontrolled subdivision for housing and commercial projects is eroding the country’s food security.
The legislators have raised concerns over the shrinking acreage under agriculture, linking it to unplanned settlements encroaching on farmland.
More To Read
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi tabled a motion in Parliament highlighting the decline in the country’s agricultural productivity, which he said is partly due to the continuous subdivision of rural land for construction.
“Agricultural land in rural areas is continuously being subdivided into small plots for construction, significantly reducing the amount of land available for farming. This calls for urgent measures to ensure effective land use across the country to optimise agricultural output,” Wanyonyi said.
If implemented, the policy would designate areas strictly for agricultural use, protecting them from commercial or residential developments.
“This House resolves that the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, develops a policy framework for effective land use in rural areas by consolidating and zoning land for built development, comprising commercial and residential use with shared public utilities and separate zones for agriculture, to arrest the diminishing of farmland and stabilise the country’s agricultural productivity,” he added.
Wanyonyi cited the uprooting of coffee trees from traditional farming areas to make way for housing as an example of actions that undermine food production.
“A lack of clear land use guidelines often leads to conflict and violence. This motion seeks to prevent such conflicts between agricultural and built environments,” he explained.
He also called for a balanced approach to economic development, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability, emphasising the need to protect natural resources and minimise environmental degradation.
“This policy seeks to protect farmland, enhance productivity, and contribute to national food security. It will also ensure that all citizens have sustainable access to public spaces, services, institutions, and social amenities,” Wanyonyi said.
The motion calls for collaboration among key ministries, including Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and Agriculture and Livestock Development. Wanyonyi highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, including farmers, developers and local communities, to ensure the policy reflects their needs.
“The enactment of this policy will ensure that environmental factors, such as the conservation of natural habitats and water catchment areas, are considered in land use planning. It will also guarantee public participation, ensuring the voices of farmers and other affected communities are heard,” he said.
Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli seconded the motion, urging the government to enforce regulations and strategies to preserve fertile land for farming.
“Fertile land is being turned into housing estates. Unless this is addressed, our agricultural land will continue to diminish,” Sunkuli said.
He added that with a growing population, housing demand is rising, making it critical for the government to zone land for agriculture.
“The government must designate areas specifically for housing development. This challenge is most acute in rural areas,” he added.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie also voiced support for the motion.
“I hope this motion will lead to the development of legislation. However, it is crucial that the Executive first formulates the relevant policy to provide a foundation before such laws are enacted,” Kiarie said.
Top Stories Today
