25 November 2024
The CEO of the National Land Commission Kabale Tache has appealed to acquiring entities to involve the Commission early in the acquisition process before contractors are engaged to minimise delays and keep project costs within budgets.
The CEO was speaking during the Quarterly Portfolio Review organized by the World Bank and the National Treasury at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi. The discussions focused on the critical role of the NLC in compulsory land acquisition and the need for enhanced collaboration to ensure timely project delivery.
During the review, the CEO emphasized that delays in the land acquisition process often stem from statutory requirements, which can extend timelines by up to 45 days. To address these challenges, the CEO underscored the importance of the Commission’s early involvement in the acquisition process. She highlighted that ensuring land is made available before contractors are engaged by acquiring bodies helps to streamline the process and prevent delays.
The CEO further encouraged acquiring bodies to work closely with the NLC during the pre-acquisition survey phase to mitigate potential setbacks. She also pointed to the Land Act (Section 111A), which requires acquiring bodies to deposit compensation funds before acquisition begins. This step is critical to ensuring that Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are compensated promptly, avoiding delays in project execution.
Commending the water sector for its effective collaboration with the NLC, the CEO urged the World Bank to adopt similar practices in the road sector. She noted that such strategic partnerships have demonstrated success in ensuring smooth project implementation and should serve as a model for other sectors.
In conclusion, the CEO reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with acquiring bodies. By addressing potential delays proactively and ensuring timely compensation for PAPs, the Commission aims to enhance the efficiency of land acquisition processes, contributing to the successful execution of national development projects