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{
    "id": 641710,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/641710/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 176,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. J.K. Bett",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1765,
        "legal_name": "James Kimaru Bett",
        "slug": "james-kimaru-bett"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to contribute on the Land Laws (Amendment) Bill. As I was proceeding yesterday, I mentioned that land in Kenya is very emotive. Even as this Bill attempts to realign the land laws with the Constitution and give effect to Article 68(c)(i), you will realise that Kenya has had a lot of historical injustices in matters related to land. This Bill has, therefore, come at the most appropriate time. As we all know, other than labour and capital, land is also a factor of production. Having in mind that this country is capitalistic and you get reward for your effort, I oppose this Bill particularly on the clause that will attempt to prescribe minimum land acreage for private owners. We will not allow it unless this country has turned to be a communist state, where effort is not rewarded. If we allow that to happen we should also set minimum and maximum standard both for capital and labour. On behalf of my county and other counties like Trans-Nzoia and Laikipia, I wish to give an assurance that we shall not set maximum land acreage in relation to private property. As it is, this Bill does not meet the aspirations of many Kenyans and we shall oppose it if it sets maximum and minimum land acreage for private ownership. If we talk about minimum, what will be the size of the minimum that we are talking about? In some places land is too small to set the minimum since the land available could be the only piece you live on. Clauses 42, 43 and 44 of this Bill attempts to give more power to the Cabinet Secretary (CS). The CS has been in charge of land issues for the last 50 years in this country. Article 67 establishes the National Land Commission (NLC). That is the commission that is supposed to set policies and run land issues in Kenya. If we give more powers to the CS in the Ministry of Land, we are moving back to where we were 50 years ago, where land injustices were experienced. We shall not support this unless necessary amendments are done. The removal of county land boards and giving more power to the CS in charge of land lacks the touch on the ground. Land issues are mostly handled at the county level. The county The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}