Drastic Land Reforms Needed To Promote Urban Planning And Development, Investor Proposes

Businessman Nazir Jinnah has called for drastic land reforms in Kenya to ensure it's accessible to all and remains a critical means of production.

Land issues in the country remain highly emotive and have previously been a source of trouble.

Jinnah, a leading investor in Kenya's hospitality industry, has shed light on the far-reaching consequences of vacant or undeveloped land ownership held for speculative gains.

In an interview on Wednesday, he said this practice not only results in significant losses for the government" in terms of tax collections but also hampers the local economy, disrupts techno-vocational employment and prevents the prosperity of the community."

To address this, Jinnah proposes a proactive approach.

"I suggest issuing vacant land owners a targeted timeframe to develop their properties. If the land remains undeveloped beyond this limit, the government should devise a way to reclaim the land for redistribution to individuals or entities capable of fostering local community development," he suggested.

His proposal is likely to trigger a myriad of reactions and, more so, opposition from the country's biggest land owners, who are mostly politicians and highly connected individuals.

Also, such a proposal would need drastic amendments to the current laws governing land ownership in the country.

Jinnah said his approach aims to ensure that land is utilized efficiently for the collective benefit of the community.

In another facet of his proposal, Jinnah turns his attention to aging buildings in central business districts within Kenya.

He suggests that structures reaching 25 years of age should be considered for redesign or demolition under a government-backed financial model.

This recommendation aims to facilitate the evolution of urban landscapes, making way for modern structures that align with contemporary needs and standards.

Jinnah's comprehensive perspective emphasizes the importance of strategic land use and urban planning to promote economic growth, community prosperity, and the efficient utilization of resources.

He said that his proposals advocate for a balance between private property rights and the collective interest in fostering vibrant, sustainable communities.