UoN Researchers Contribute to Regional Dialogue on Land Governance and Sustainable Development

University of Nairobi researchers are contributing research and expertise to the 5th Regional Research Conference, being held from 19–20 August 2026 at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders from Kenya and across Africa to examine how effective land governance can support sustainable national economic development.

Convened by the National Land Commission (NLC) under the theme “Strengthening Land Governance for Sustainable National Economic Development,” the conference seeks to bridge research, policy and practice through knowledge exchange, evidence-based dialogue and practical recommendations on land governance.

The conference is addressing key areas including land and infrastructural development, agricultural investment and value chains, housing and urban expansion, real estate investment, digital land governance and emerging challenges in land administration.

The University of Nairobi is participating as a sponsor and co-convening partner, building on a partnership with the NLC that dates back to the 2nd Regional Research Conference in 2023. The University has participated in every subsequent edition.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Dr James Kaoga said the University's involvement goes beyond sponsorship and attendance. Researchers from the Faculty of Built Environment and Design and allied areas in land administration, spatial planning and geospatial science are contributing through research submissions, peer review, presentations, session chairing and panel moderation.

This year's UoN researchers are contributing to sessions on digital land governance and agricultural investment and land tenure, while the University also participates in the multi-agency conference planning committee. The partnership further extends beyond the conference through engagements such as the National Stakeholder Engagement Forum on National Land Policy Reforms.

Dr Kaoga noted that the conference theme aligns strongly with the University's multidisciplinary expertise, given that land governance intersects with planning, law, surveying, housing, agriculture and public policy. He emphasised the importance of connecting research to policy and practical development outcomes.

Chief Guest Dr Emmanuel Kombe Nzai, Chairman of the Vision 2030 Delivery Board, highlighted the importance of effective land governance in promoting prosperity, social cohesion and national development. He noted that land is central to creating an enabling environment for investment and responsible development, while emphasising the need for land governance to remain responsive to emerging challenges.

Dr Nzai linked stronger land governance directly to the conference theme, noting that responsible land use and effective governance are essential to achieving sustainable national economic development.

Speaking during the conference, National Land Commission Chief Executive Officer Kabale Tache Arero noted that the fifth edition is the first under the current Commission and has evolved into a regional platform attracting participants and presenters from across Africa.

She said the conference was established to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and dissemination and to generate evidence-based recommendations for strengthening land governance. She noted that previous conference recommendations have contributed to initiatives including the review of the National Land Policy, development of guidance on minimum viable agricultural landholding sizes, digitization of land records and sustainable natural-resource management.

The CEO linked effective land governance directly to Kenya's development aspirations, noting its importance in promoting investment, supporting infrastructure, strengthening agricultural productivity, facilitating sustainable urbanization and protecting natural resources. She challenged participants to translate research into practical solutions and policy interventions as Kenya considers its development agenda beyond Vision 2030.

Commissioner Esther Murugi, Chairperson of the Land Use Planning, Research and Counties Coordination Committee, said the conference brings together research, planning and coordination, which are critical to effective land governance.

She noted that this year's conference received the highest number of abstracts from across Africa, demonstrating the growing importance of the forum as a platform for research, knowledge exchange and policy dialogue. She called for recommendations that can be implemented at national and county levels, strengthened through stakeholder collaboration and scaled up where successful.

NLC Chairperson Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy described land as a critical factor of production and emphasised the importance of sustainable land management, responsible land use and effective oversight in supporting national development.

The importance of translating research into practical outcomes was also highlighted by Nairobi County Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, who noted that land governance has a direct impact on people's everyday lives and socio-economic opportunities.

For the University of Nairobi, the conference reinforces its commitment to connecting research, policy and practice and contributing knowledge and expertise to addressing land and development challenges. Through sustained partnerships with the National Land Commission and other stakeholders, the University continues to support efforts to translate research into policy and practical interventions that advance sustainable national economic development.