Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant development, the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, EGH, MP, has officially withdrawn the Land Laws (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023 (National Assembly Bill No. 76 of 2023). The Bill, which aimed to amend existing land laws, has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
In a letter dated June 13, 2024, addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Ichung’wah outlined the reasons for the withdrawal. He emphasized that the decision came after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission. The Leader of the Majority Party highlighted that various constitutional and legal issues had arisen from the Bill, necessitating further deliberation and resolution before any further consideration could be made.
Hon. Ichung’wah’s letter stated, “During the meeting of the House Business Committee, I had notified the Committee not to prioritize the consideration of the Bill to allow for consultations with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission. It is also noteworthy that there are various ensuing constitutional and legal issues arising from the Bill. In this regard, the Executive had further advised on the need for the ensuing issues to be addressed and resolved before further consideration of the Bill.”
The withdrawal of the Bill has been attributed to mounting pressure from various quarters, particularly from the younger generation, often referred to as Generation Z. This demographic has expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of the Bill on ancestral land rights. Many young people fear that the amendments could lead to the seizure of their ancestral lands by the state, sparking widespread anxiety and opposition.
In light of these concerns, Hon. Ichung’wah stated, “Having consulted with the relevant stakeholders, this is now to confirm that the Majority Party has withdrawn the Bill. Consequently, I request that the House Business Committee be notified of the withdrawal of the Bill and that no further consideration of the Bill should be undertaken.”
The decision to withdraw the Bill has been received with mixed reactions. While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as a necessary step to ensure that all legal and constitutional issues are adequately addressed, others view it as a temporary setback in the ongoing efforts to reform land laws in Kenya.
The National Assembly has acknowledged the receipt of the withdrawal notice, marking a pause in the legislative process for the contentious Bill. The Clerk of the National Assembly and other relevant officials have been duly informed, ensuring that no further consideration of the Bill will take place.
This development underscores the importance of thorough stakeholder engagement and consultation in the legislative process, particularly on matters as sensitive as land laws. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of land reforms, the withdrawal of the Bill provides an opportunity for more inclusive and comprehensive discussions that take into account the concerns of all affected parties.
