Land access and acquisition for extractives projects - balancing different interests (1st meeting)

This meeting report summarises the proceedings and outcome of the fifth Extractives Sector Forum (ESF),  convened by IHRB, ILEG and Extractives Baraza, and bringing together companies, government, civil society organisations and academia to discuss key concerns and emerging issues in the extractives sector in Kenya.

The fifth ESF took place on 16 March 2017 and focused on the complex issue of land access and acquisition for extractive sector projects and how to balance the different interests at stake in extractives related projects.

The concept of land proved to be one that needs deeper interrogation and discussion among industry, stakeholders and the two levels of government in Kenya - national and county - including the relevant administrative bodies, in particular the National Land Commission (NLC). The question of land use and development drew much interest and led to a call by participants for a national land use policy that would set a broader framework in Kenya beyond the existing land laws to clearly guide the process of use, management and development of land resources optimally and in a way that avoids or minimises conflict.

This meeting report highlighting the outcome of the discussions is in no way exhaustive of the issues involving land acquisition and access, but highlights the challenge of addressing the question and the need to further interrogate the issues.

Image: Flickr/alanaplin