Saturday, February 15, 2025
=

Northern Rangelands Trust Loses License in Landmark Ruling

In a landmark judgment, the High Court has ruled against the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) and other entities operating conservancies in Chari and Cherab wards of Merti Sub-County, Isiolo.

The ruling declared the establishment of these conservancies unconstitutional due to the lack of public participation, a critical tenet of Kenya’s governance framework.

Further, the court found that NRT, along with other respondents, had violated the Community Land Act, of 2016, by initiating conservancy operations without consulting or involving local communities.

“A declaration does hereby issue that the establishment of conservancies in Chari ward and Cherab, Merti Sub-County, was undertaken without due public participation and is consequently unconstitutional,” read the ruling.

These operations included mapping, surveying, recruitment of rangers, and other activities on unregistered community land in Chari and Cherab wards.

NRT members community conservancies in Isiolo
NRT members conservancies in Isiolo each recently received Ksh 2.5 million (USD 21,589) from the Community Livelihood Fund (CLF). PHOTO/NRT

Also Read: Govt Issues Statement After Isiolo Wildfire Ravages 300,000 Acres of Grasslands


Other Directives Issued over Northern Rangelands Trust Case

Justice O. A. Angote issued several directives aimed at restoring the rights of the local communities. A permanent injunction was granted, prohibiting the respondents from entering or carrying out any conservancy-related activities on the disputed land.

Additionally, the court directed relevant authorities to revoke all licenses and permits granted to the respondents for managing these conservancies.

“A permanent injunction does hereby issue prohibiting the respondents from entering, mapping, surveying, delineating, or carrying out conservancy operations, including recruitment or employment, evicting community members, or engaging in any activities related to the unregistered community land in Chari and Cherab wards,” stated the court.

The judgment also addressed the issue of rangers deployed by the respondents.

“A permanent injunction does hereby issue prohibiting the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th respondents from operating or deploying rangers or guards in any part of Chari and Cherab ward, Merti Sub-County,” the court ruled.


Also Read: IG Kanja Ordered to Arrest Isiolo Governor


The ruling further mandated the Ministry of Lands and the Isiolo County Government to facilitate the registration of community land in Chari and Cherab under the Community Land Act. This step is expected to empower the local communities with legal ownership and control over their ancestral lands, safeguarding them from unauthorized exploitation.

The court also ordered law enforcement agencies, including the Isiolo County Police Commandant, to oversee the implementation of the ruling and ensure peace and order in the affected areas.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates

A photo of a judgement hammer. PHOTO/Graphic Online/Bigstock.
A photo of a judgement hammer. PHOTO/Graphic Online/Bigstock.

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Joy Kwama

Mercy Joy Kwama is a News Reporter at The Kenya Times who is dedicated to the art of storytelling and truth-telling and changing narratives. She has covered diverse topics including politics, social justice, environmental issues, climate change, and entertainment. Mercy is particularly driven to amplify the voices of African communities and challenge the prevailing status quo. She is a graduate of Riara University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia Journalism and is well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting. In her spare time, Mercy likes to pick up new skills including crocheting, gardening, dance, reading, and music. She can be reached at joy.kwama@thekenyatimes.com

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *