ASSESSING THE APPLICATION OF LAND POLICIES IN PREVENTING FAMILY LAND DISPUTES TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN MUTITUNI LOCATION, MACHAKOS

Abstract

Although Kenya has had various land policies before and after independence, the problem of land has remained a major obstacle that has hampered community development and harmony. The guarantee by the constitution to protect all in access to land, use and/or ownership of land appear to have been neglected. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the application of land policies in reduction of family land disputes for community development in Mutituni location of Machakos County. The study identified land policies applicable in prevention of family land disputes. It further identified causes of family land disputes as well as challenges experienced in application of land policies. The study further looked at other methods applied in preventing and resolving family land disputes among the people of Mutituni location. In carrying out the study, the qualitative method of collecting data was employed. However, in the analysis of data, the researcher used a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. The research found out that application of land policies in Mutituni location must be taken more seriously. Literacy levels, poverty, high population growth and segregating of the female gender must be addressed for effective application of land policies. The system of land ownership must be addressed. Other means of resolving family land disputes should be encouraged especially the Traditional method. The recommendations of this study will benefit not only the people of Mutituni but also both the county government of Machakos and the national government of Kenya. The recommendations will help the government to see the gaps that exist and do the necessary to help not only the people of Mutituni but even other Kenyans to understand and apply land policies.