Nairobi, July 22 -- The third cohort of commissioners at the National Land Commission (NLC) assumed office in March. Having settled into their roles, they must now tackle the many unresolved public land issues facing the country - and, crucially, be seen to be doing so.

The NLC carries significant historical baggage. It is one of the institutions that powerful political interests resisted from the outset.

It was removed from the final draft of the Constitution before parliamentary debate, only to be reinstated after sustained pressure from stakeholders.

Later, after the first commissioners had been vetted and approved, their appointment was delayed until a High Court petition compelled the President to gazette them.

Kenyans therefore ...