Ngilu, Swazuri sign working agreement at State House

The power struggle between Lands Cabinet secretary Charity Ngilu and Land commission chairman Mohammed Swazuri is over, State House officials say.

This follows the signing of an agreement Monday that will ensure the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission “work harmoniously”.

The deal comes on the first day of talks to resolve a long-standing row over their respective mandates.

No details of what it entails are available at this time.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the deal at State House, Nairobi.

The Head of State said he regretted that internal differences between the commission and the ministry had caused uncertainty and concern.

“This concern has… impeded our ability to move ahead in terms of our own economic development,” President Kenyatta said. “I believe this agreement will put this matter behind us. We now… have a Commission as envisioned by the Constitution and a Ministry working in harmony (with it).”

The President urged Kenyans to conduct land transactions without fear.

“With this agreement, we bring clarity and assurance on land matters,” he said, adding that he will monitor its implementation closely.

Dr Swazuri assured Kenyans that his commission will cooperate with the ministry and there will be no more acrimony between them.

Lands secretary Ngilu said, with the agreement, the goal of issuing three million title deeds to Kenyans will now be a reality.