Gov't moves to anchor land reclamation in law through new Bill

The government has taken a step towards strengthening environmental restoration and climate resilience after the proposed Land Reclamation Bill, 2026, was presented to Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa.

The proposed legislation was presented by the Land Reclamation Committee led by the Irrigation Secretary for Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Management, Joel Tanui, during a briefing on the progress of the draft law.

According to the Ministry, the Bill seeks to provide Kenya with a comprehensive legal framework to guide the reclamation and restoration of degraded land while addressing the growing threat of land degradation.

The Ministry further noted that the proposed law is also intended to enhance food and water security, strengthen climate resilience, promote environmental sustainability and establish institutional, regulatory and financing mechanisms to support land reclamation efforts.

If enacted, the legislation is expected to provide a legal foundation for coordinated land restoration programmes across the country while encouraging sustainable land management practices.

"Once enacted, the Bill will play a critical role in restoring ecosystems, improving food and water security, enhancing climate resilience, promoting sustainable land management practices, and attracting investment in land reclamation initiatives across the country," the Ministry said.

The proposed law comes as the government steps up efforts to address the effects of land degradation, climate change and water scarcity while promoting sustainable use of natural resources to support agricultural productivity and long-term environmental conservation.