Staying on top of national administrative updates can feel like tracking a moving target. To keep you informed, we’ve broken down the most consequential updates from the latest issue of the Kenya Gazette (Vol. CXXVIII-No. 103). From major environmental master plans to critical judicial shifts and land reforms, here is what you need to know this week.
Judicial Updates: Court Recess & New Registries
If you have ongoing or upcoming matters in the high courts, take note of the upcoming scheduling shift:
- High Court August Recess: The High Court and courts of equal status will officially enter their August recess starting August 1, 2026, running through to September 15, 2026. Registries will remain open during weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Recess Duty Judges will be appointed to handle urgent emerging matters.
- Expanding Judicial Access: Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced the establishment of a new Environment and Land Court at Mavoko (Machakos County) and a new Sub-Registry at Maralal Law Courts (Samburu County), both effective 1st July, 2026.
Conservation: The Mara Naboisho Management Plan (2026–2030)
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, has officially gazetted the Mara Naboisho Conservancy Management Plan. This ambitious 5-year vision establishes a sustainable framework balancing community livelihoods with world-class eco-tourism.
The plan introduces a six-zone land-use scheme—ranging from core conservation and special habitats to dedicated livestock grazing and tourism facility zones. Key pillars include:
- Regenerative Livestock Systems: Improving grazing practices to aid rangeland recovery while strengthening animal health services and market access for landowners.
- Low-Impact Eco-Tourism: Diversifying the tourism value chain while protecting the premium “Naboisho brand” globally.
- Gender Inclusivity: Intentionally empowering local women and fostering equitable participation in conservancy enterprises.
Land Reform & Adjudication Programmes
The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development has rolled out extensive land registration and adjudication updates:
- Garissa County: Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has launched a comprehensive adjudication programme covering various tracts across Garissa Township, Balambala, Lagdera, Dadaab, Fafi, and Ijara (while explicitly preserving vital public lands like the Rahole, Arawale, and Boni National Reserves).
- Turkana County: A massive community land registration drive has been formalized, identifying specific communal areas across Turkana North, West, Central, and South for grazing, settlement, fishing, and artisanal mining rights.
- Lost Title Deeds: Over 80 localized notices were published giving individuals and corporations a standard 60-day window to object before replacement land titles and certificates of lease are officially issued.
Key Government Appointments
A wave of new leadership has been injected into local public services and national committees:
- Affirmative Action: Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot Cheptumo gazetted a comprehensive list of county committee members for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), including dedicated representatives for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across dozens of counties.
- Public Service Boards: Leadership shifts hit the counties, with Dr. Joseph Kipkemoi Koskei appointed as Chairman of the Kericho County Public Service Board, and Paul Yator appointed to steer the Elgeyo Marakwet County Public Service Board.
- Agriculture Safeguards: Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, appointed a robust list of 29 new Inspectors and 2 Analysts under the Pest Control Products Act to enforce standards nationwide.
Heritage: Mombasa’s New National Monument
In an intentional nod to historical preservation, the government has officially declared the Manyimbo World War Cemetery in Mvita Sub-county, Mombasa, as a protected National Monument. Spanning roughly 0.1489 hectares, this site stands as a poignant reminder of global history on Kenyan soil. Any public objections to this status must be legally lodged within 60 days.
Want to dive deeper into the specific legislative supplements or check the exact plot numbers for the land notices? You can review the full gazette HERE.
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