The Historical Development of the Lugari Settlement Scheme, Kenya, 1963-2025

Abstract

This article explored the evolution of the Lugari Settlement Scheme between 1963 and 2025, and analyses changes in land governance, settlement patterns, and socio-economic conditions. While post-independence land settlement programmes in Kenya have been studied extensively, studies examining the historical development of selected settlement schemes after their establishment remain limited. The study adopted a qualitative historical research design guided by Political Economy Theory. Data were collected through oral interviews and focus group discussions as primary sources, complemented by archival and documentary sources as secondary data. Respondents were identified using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, while thematic and chronological analyses were employed to analyse the data. The findings established that the Lugari Settlement Scheme emerged from Kenya's post-independence land reform and resettlement programme and evolved into a planned African smallholder farming community. Land governance changed from a predominantly centralised system of government allocation towards a more plural and decentralised arrangement involving formal institutions, local administration, families and community-based mechanisms. Changing settlement patterns, driven by population growth, inheritance and land subdivision, contributed to farm fragmentation, boundary disputes and declining agricultural holdings, while also encouraging livelihood diversification beyond smallholder farming. The study concludes that Lugari's historical evolution was shaped by changing political institutions, land policies, demographic pressures, economic interests and community needs. The study recommends strengthening participatory land governance, improving land administration and planning, and developing sustainable strategies for managing land fragmentation to safeguard agricultural productivity and community livelihoods.