Kenya's Extreme Land Inequality Sparks Calls for Policy Reform

A new report warns that extreme land inequality in Kenya is harming the nation's economy and food supply. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) finds that a small elite controls most of the country's valuable land. This concentration fuels social inequality and slows economic growth. It also contributes to food insecurity, as large tracts of land are held without being used for productive farming. The report suggests policymakers consider a Land Value Tax (LVT) to address the problem. An LVT is a charge on the value of land itself, not on buildings or improvements. The goal is to discourage hoarding and encourage development, making more land available for housing and agriculture. The KHRC argues such a reform could promote fairer land use and unlock Kenya's economic potential.