Land Commercialization Initiative
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), through the Land Commercialization Initiative (LCI), is seeking to revitalize underutilized state-owned land for agricultural purposes through private sector leasing. Rebel was contracted as the transaction advisor to facilitate the leasing of specific parcels of underutilized public agricultural land.
The challenge
The initiative seeks to address key challenges in Kenya’s agricultural sector, including inefficient use of government-owned land, prioritization of commercial interests over food production, reliance on small-scale farming for nutritional needs, and lack of mechanization that hinders optimal agricultural output for the local economy. It enables transparent leasing agreements that allow investors to develop sustainable agribusiness projects, boost agricultural productivity, and foster public–private partnerships in the sector.
The approach
The LCI targets Kenyan and foreign investors interested in accessing land for commercial agricultural activities that align with the national agenda for increased food security and economic growth. Targeted investors include agricultural and livestock-related business owners, qualified individuals, institutions, cooperatives, farmer groups, and associations. Working together with MoALD and landowners such as TARDA, Transaction Advisors (TA), KCIC and Rebel have supported the procurement process by drafting procurement documents, conducting investor outreach, providing evaluation committee training, and holding investor briefings.
For two sites ‘Kiambere Phase 1 Unit’ and ‘Bachuma Unit’ a two-stage procurement process was carried out: an open Request for Expressions of Interest, followed by a closed Request for Proposals. Winning bidders have been announced for both units, and as the TA, we are supporting the due diligence and negotiation stages. Other units remain in the procurement process, and a substantial number of interested investors in leasing public land have been identified and are being continuously updated.
Impact
Supporting a transparent and competitive procurement process, aimed at attracting investors whose goals align with MoALD's interests.
The experience of a Rebel
