National Land Commission derives its mandate from the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the National Land Policy (2009) and acts of Parliament, namely the National Land Commission (NLC) Act, the Land Act and the Land Registration Act, all of 2012. The broad mandate of the National Land Commission can be categorized as provided for in the Constitution:
1. Manage Public land on behalf of the national and county governments, 67(2) a;
2. Recommend a National Land Policy to the national government, 67(2) b;
3. Advise the national government on a comprehensive program for the registration of title in land throughout Kenya, 67(2) c;
4. Conduct research related to land and the use of natural resources, and make recommendations to appropriate authorities, 67(2) d;
5. Initiate investigations, on its own initiative or on a complaint, into present or historical land injustices, and recommend appropriate redress, 67(2) e;
6. Encourage the application of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms in land conflicts, 67(2) f;
7. Assess tax on land and premiums on immovable property in any area designated by law, 67(2) f;
8. Monitor and have oversight responsibilities over Land Use Planning throughout the country, 67(2) h; and 9.
9. Perform any other functions prescribed by national legislation. 6(3)
