Progress, gaps, and the road ahead
By April 2025, five Kenyan counties had successfully updated their community land data; a critical step towards protecting rights, enabling climate resilience, and unlocking economic opportunities.
Why community land matters
Community land forms the backbone of Kenya’s rural economy and cultural heritage.
Approximately 80% of Kenya’s landmass is rangeland
Supporting large-scale livestock production, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions.
Under the Constitution of Kenya (Articles 61 & 63)
All land belongs to the people collectively, as public, private, or community land.
The Community Land Act (2016)
Provides the legal framework for registration, management, and protection of community land rights.
Yet, without complete and up-to-date data, these lands remain vulnerable to unplanned conversion, degradation, and disputes.
From law to action: mapping progress
The current community land registration drive is translating policy commitments into action. Out of six targeted counties in the latest update cycle:
5 out of 6 counties have completed the update process: Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Tana River, & Kajiado. They have produced accurate cadastral maps, documented adjudication status, and compiled narrative records that can inform planning and investment, although the documentation for Narok is still pending.
The bigger picture
Nationally, community land is spread across:
- 11 former trust lands (un-adjudicated)
- 48 former group ranches
- Total: 59 community land areas; many still awaiting adjudication, registration, or data updates.
This work is part of a broader shift from outdated records to digital, accessible, and reliable land information that communities, governments, and investors can use.
Why this moment is critical
The updates come at a time when Kenya is reviewing its National Land Policy and National Land Use Policy, creating a unique opportunity to integrate accurate, up-to-date data into long-term planning.
Delays, however, have real consequences. In counties like Narok, where land is under growing pressure from tourism expansion, agriculture, and settlement, communities are at risk of losing land tenure security if mapping and registration are not finalised.
What’s next
According to the project roadmap, the following steps include:
- Sharing updated data with national and county governments.
- Engaging stakeholders for county-level validation and buy-in.
- Conducting trend analysis to inform resource allocation and land use planning.
- Mobilising additional resources to cover remaining gaps.
A call for collaboration
Securing community land rights is not just a legal obligation; it’s a foundation for sustainable development, peace, and climate resilience.
Government
Must allocate funding and fast-track pending updates.
Civil societies & communities
Should participate actively in validation processes.
Donors & partners
Have an opportunity to invest in mapping, capacity building, and data accessibility.
Kenya’s progress shows what is possible when law, policy, and data converge. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum and ensure no community is left behind.
