Statement on the proposed 10% Land Rate Policy for Kisumu County

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟐 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Senator (Prof) Tom Ojienda SC (Kisumu) is seeking a Statement from the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations regarding the proposed 10% land rate policy announced by the Kisumu City Manager during the Nyanza International Investment Conference, held at Ciala Resort from February 6th to 8th, 2025.

"The Nyanza International Investment Conference serves as a platform for regional leaders, professionals and stakeholders at international, national and local levels to showcase the economic potential of the region and present investment opportunities to potential investors. However, participation in the conference required an entry fee of Kshs. 10,000 per person making it inaccessible to many local residents," Senator Ojienda stated. 

The Kisumu County Senator said that during this year's conference, the Kisumu City Manager proposed a 10% land rate policy for Kisumu County without conducting meaningful public participation beforehand. He added that lack of public engagement contravenes the principles outlined in Articles 174(c), 184(c), 118(1)(a), 196(1)(a), 201(1), 35, and 232(1) of the Constitution.

Sen. Ojienda wants the Committee to provide the justification for introducing the 10% land rate policy, including the legal basis for its implementation.

The committee is expected to explain why the County Government of Kisumu did not conduct meaningful public participation in line with the constitution and statutory requirements before coming up with the new land rate policy, stating whether the county government will suspend further implementation of the policy until extensive public participation has been conducted.

Senator Ojienda has also requested the Devolution Committee to clarify the criteria and methodology used to determine the proposed land rate increment and outline the measures in place to ensure that the policy does not disproportionately burden local residents, particularly vulnerable groups.

Separately, Senator Ojienda has sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing regarding the implementation of affordable housing projects in Kisumu County.

The Committee has been tasked to provide an update on the Lumumba Affordable Housing Project detailing the project scope total number of housing units, funding sources, project timelines and criteria for house allocation upon completion to ensure transparency, accountability and inclusivity, particularly for low-income residents.

The ODM Party Senator has also questioned the status of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) Phase 2 in Kisumu County, highlighting infrastructure upgrades in settlements such as Obunga, Migosi, Kibuye, Bandani and Kaloleni including road improvements, drainage systems, water and sanitation facilities, street light and land tenure regularization.

The Senator Eddy Oketch led committee will also indicate any challenges affecting the implementation of these housing initiatives, including financing, land acquisition, legal disputes or public participation and the strategies adopted to address the obstacles and ensure timely and successful project completion.

The Committee has further been asked to provide details on upcoming housing projects in Kisumu County under the Affordable Housing Programme, specifying expected timelines, target beneficiaries, projected impact on housing deficits and the roles of the national and county governments in financing, planning and execution to ensure effective collaboration and resource mobilization.