ISK Statement on Attack of Land Surveyors in Angata Barrikoi, Transmara South Narok County

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) strongly condemns the violent attack on land surveyors in Angata Barrikoi in Transmara South, Narok County, on 28th April 2025, in the course of executing their professional duties. According to verified reports, the tragic incident resulted in the loss of five lives and left several others injured, including professionals who were only carrying out lawful assignments related to land survey and demarcation.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. We stand in solidarity with all those affected, including the injured and traumatized land professionals and support teams who found themselves in harm's way.

Surveyors, like other professionals, serve the public in accordance with the law and under mandates from relevant authorities. Surveyors are not party to land disputes but play an essential role in documenting, demarcating, and mapping land for proper planning, ownership, and development. Attacking professionals while in the line of duty is unacceptable, unlawful, and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.

We urge the law enforcers to deal with all those who attacked our professionals and anyone who took law in their own hands and visited violence on law-abiding professionals who were only executing their lawful roles. Kenya is a Country governed by the rule of law, and anyone who is aggrieved on an issue can seek legal redress.

The surveying profession is critical in the economic prosperity of Kenya. The profession has and continues to contribute to the transformation of Kenya through their work that is imperative to strengthening property rights (ownership) and investments and economic activities for all Kenyans. The professionals are frontline warriors in securing our land and built sector for Kenya's economic progress, and therefore, the realization of the imperative should make all Kenyans respect and protect the profession from any harm.

We urge law enforcers to protect surveyors in the course of their work. We urge members of the public to exercise restraint and resolve land-related grievances through legal and peaceful means. We also call upon our leaders to ensure public participation and information sharing well in advance to avert such issues. Violence not only undermines justice but leads to irreversible consequences, including loss of life, destruction of property, and social instability.

We call on the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, and local security agencies, to intervene decisively to:

1. Ensure the safety and protection of professionals working in high-risk areas;

2. Carry out multi agency consultations on land including public participation so as to foster conflict resolution and to promote understanding of any land development process. This we believe will help to depoliticize any land development process;

3. Investigate and bring to justice all those responsible for orchestrating and executing the attacks; and

4. Facilitate peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms in regions with longstanding land conflicts by seeking alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

ISK also appeals to community leaders, elected representatives, and all stakeholders to play an active role in promoting dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution, especially in historically sensitive areas.

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and to working with the Government and the public to promote order, justice, and sustainable land management.

Eric Nyadimo, MISK, LS(K)
President