What would it take to realise the promises? protecting women’s rights in the Kenya national land policy of 2009

Standpoint, Land, Labour and Gendered Livelihoods, Feminist Africa Issue 12 (2009). pp. 87-94Land is a critical resource in Kenya, having economic, social, political,environmental and cultural significance. Kenya’s population continues to rely on land for both subsistence and economic activities. In fact, the increase of the population from about 20 million people in the 1960s to about 40 million currently, has put enormous pressure on land. Only a third of Kenya’s land is arable while the rest is arid and semi-arid. With most Kenyans still living off the land, contestations over access to, control over and ownership of land are prevalent.Land is a critical resource in Kenya, having economic, social, political,environmental and cultural significance. Kenya’s population continues to rely on land for both subsistence and economic activities. In fact, the increase of the population from about 20 million people in the 1960s to about 40 million currently, has put enormous pressure on land. Only a third of Kenya’s land is arable while the rest is arid and semi-arid. With most Kenyans still living off the land, contestations over access to, control over and ownership of land are prevalent