Quick Answer
Land is governed mainly by two institutions: the National Land Commission, which manages public land and oversees land policy, and the Ministry of Lands, which registers land and issues titles. Both operate under the 2012 land laws.
Key facts
- The National Land Commission manages public land.
- The Ministry of Lands registers land and issues titles.
- Both work under the 2012 land laws.
- County land registries handle local records.
The National Land Commission
The National Land Commission (NLC), created by Article 67, manages public land on behalf of the national and county governments, advises on land policy and registration, and helps address historical land injustices.
The Ministry of Lands
The Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning handles the registration of land and the issuing of titles, maintains the land register, and runs the land registries (increasingly through Ardhisasa).
The legal framework
Both work under the 2012 land laws — the Land Act, the Land Registration Act and the National Land Commission Act — plus the Community Land Act for community land. Disputes over land are heard by the Environment and Land Court.
Why this matters to you
Knowing who does what — the NLC for public land, the Ministry for titles, the Environment and Land Court for disputes — tells you where to take a land question or grievance.
Frequently asked questions
What does the National Land Commission do?
It manages public land and oversees land policy and registration.
Who issues title deeds?
The Ministry of Lands, through the land registries.
Where are land disputes heard?
The Environment and Land Court.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 67 and 162 — klrc.go.ke
- National Land Commission Act, 2012 — kenyalaw.org
- National Land Commission — landcommission.go.ke