Chequered year closes with hopes for historical land injustice claimants

In January 2025, Kenyans woke to the reality that all rateable land, except freehold agricultural land, would be subject to annual land rates under the National Rating Act, which received presidential assent in December 2024. While county governments welcomed the law, many freehold landowners bristled at the levy.

In February, President William Ruto announced plans to buy land from absentee landlords along the coast, tasking Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and senior local leaders with identifying suitable parcels. If handled professionally, the initiative could significantly improve livelihoods for the landless.