Kimani Ichung’wah Withdraws Land Laws Amendment Bill
Parliament has withdrawn the Lands Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
This decision came after Ichung’wah consulted with sector stakeholders and requested the bill’s withdrawal through a letter.
Dated January 13, 2024, the letter, stamped by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s office, asked the House Business Committee to be informed of the bill’s withdrawal.
The letter mentioned that Ichung’wah had previously notified the House Business Committee not to prioritize the bill’s consideration to allow for consultations with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission.
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It also highlighted that there were various constitutional and legal issues arising from the bill, which the Executive advised needed to be addressed before further consideration.
Following consultations with relevant stakeholders, Ichung’wah confirmed the Majority Party’s decision to withdraw the bill and requested the House Business Committee to be informed and to cease any further consideration of the bill.
A significant amendment in the bill was the introduction of an annual levy on freehold land in urban areas, equivalent to the land rent charged on similar leasehold properties, exempting only agricultural land.
Additionally, the bill gave county governments the power to compulsorily acquire necessary parcels, which was seen as punitive.
Ichung’wah’s withdrawal of the bill coincided with the ruling coalition facing pressure to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.
In response to intense protests, President William Ruto shelved the entire Finance Bill and promised to include the youth’s perspectives in future bills.
Kimani Ichung’wah Withdraws Land Laws Amendment Bill