Members of Parliament, MPs are considering motion seeking the formulation of a national Land Use Policy to guide the zoning of land for agriculture and built development.
The motion, sponsored by Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi, proposes a policy framework that will ensure effective land use in rural areas to prevent further loss of arable land and stabilize the country’s declining agricultural productivity.
If adopted, the motion will compel the government, through the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, and Housing and Urban Development, to demarcate designated zones for commercial and residential development with shared public utilities separate from zones allocated strictly for agricultural use.
“Agricultural lands in rural areas are increasingly being subdivided into small plots for residential or commercial construction, significantly reducing the land available for farming,” said MP Wanyonyi while presenting the motion.
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He cited data from the Kenya Land Alliance which estimates that only 17% of Kenya’s land mass is suitable for rain-fed agriculture, while the rest is either semi-arid or arid.
Wanyonyi noted that unplanned settlements continue to encroach on prime agricultural land, contributing to a worrying decline in food production.
“There is a need to put in place clear and enforceable land use policies to guarantee optimal use of agricultural land,” he added.
The motion highlights the urgent need for spatial planning in rural Kenya, emphasizing that zoning could help consolidate built-up areas and protect vital agricultural zones, ensuring food security and sustainable development.
The debate continues as Parliament considers the long-term impact of land fragmentation on Kenya’s food systems and rural economies.
By Obegi Malack
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