AG Forms Special Committee to Fast-Track Land and Environment Cases Threatening National Projects
In a significant move to address the backlog of land and environmental cases that continue to hinder development, Kenya’s Attorney General has announced the formation of a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) Committee to fast-track the resolution of over 10,500 pending disputes.
The Attorney General, whose office is constitutionally mandated under Article 156 to uphold the rule of law and defend public interest, said that unresolved land cases are undermining both national and county government development agendas. According to a recent legal audit, the majority of litigation involving the government touches on land and environmental issues ranging from fraud, double allocation, and illegal acquisition to evictions and historical injustices.
The committee, comprised of experienced legal practitioners and state counsels, is tasked with reviewing, categorizing, and developing strategies to resolve high-risk cases that threaten the implementation of critical government projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
This agenda prioritizes investment in agriculture, housing, MSMEs, healthcare, and the digital economy sectors that heavily rely on secure land access.
In a consultative forum held in November 2024, key stakeholders including the Judiciary, Ministry of Lands, National Land Commission, and anti-corruption agencies agreed on the need for coordinated action to expedite cases stalling infrastructure and economic activities.
“The pendency of these cases is not just a legal burden; it is an economic threat.This initiative will enable more predictable land use, attract investment, and restore confidence in public institutions,” the Attorney General said
The RRI Committee will hold its inaugural meeting on June 3, 2025, and is expected to deliver a roadmap that supports legal reform, promotes access to justice, and strengthens governance in the land sector. The Attorney General assured periodic updates and called for national support for this public interest initiative.
By Sharon Atieno
