Chapter 5

Land and Environment

Articles 60–72

Land use and environmental protection

In the classroom: Land is held, used, and managed in accordance with principles in Article 60; environment and natural resources must be protected for present and future generations.

Article 60 — Land policy principles

Equitable access; security of land rights; sustainable use; transparent land management; elimination of gender discrimination.

Article 61 — Classification of land

Public, community, and private land as defined by law.

Article 69 — Environment

Every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment; obligations on the State to protect and preserve.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Land policy principles in Article 60 include:

A) Only private ownership B) Equitable access, sustainable use, and elimination of gender discrimination C) No community land D) No public land

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 60 lists principles including equity, sustainability, and non-discrimination in land rights.

2. Land in Kenya is classified under Article 61 as:

A) Only private B) Public, community, and private C) Only international D) Only county land

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 61 classifies land into public, community, and private land.

3. Every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment under:

A) Article 69 B) Article 43 C) Article 94 D) Article 1

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 69(1) guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment.

4. Chapter Five deals with:

A) Elections B) Land and environment C) Judiciary D) Public finance

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Chapter Five covers land and environment (Articles 60–72).

5. National Land Commission (NLC) functions relate to:

A) Foreign policy B) Land management and recommendations in law (Article 67) C) Only Nairobi city D) Only military bases

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 67 establishes the National Land Commission with functions in law.

6. Community land is:

A) Always private B) Held by communities on the basis of ethnicity, culture, or similar (Article 63) C) Not recognised D) Only in urban areas

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 63 provides for community land.

7. Parliament’s role in land includes:

A) No legislation B) Legislation on land use and administration C) Only county maps D) Only selling land

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Various articles (e.g. 61–62) require Parliament to enact legislation on land classification and administration.

8. Environmental obligations under Article 69 include protecting:

A) Only cities B) The environment for present and future generations C) Only forests D) Only wildlife parks

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 69(1)(b) requires the State to protect the environment for present and future generations.

9. If land is compulsorily acquired, the Constitution requires:

A) No compensation B) Prompt payment of full compensation, access to court (Article 40(3)) C) Only oral promise D) County approval only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 40 protects property and requires compensation for compulsory acquisition.

10. Article 62 concerns:

A) Private land only B) Public land C) Airspace only D) Maritime law only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 62 deals with public land.

← Previous chapter Course home Next chapter →