Remembering Professor Shem Migot-Adhola: A Legacy in Development

: Professor Shem Migot-Adhola’s legacy in Kenya’s agricultural reform and land policy continues to influence development strategies in Africa. He passed away recently.

By Charles Wachira

Introduction: A Visionary Leader Passes Away
Professor Shem Migot-Adhola, a trailblazing scholar and reformer, passed away on October 22 in Kenya, leaving a legacy defined by a commitment to rural development and policy transformation. 

Born in 1944, Migot-Adhola’s life was marked by a relentless pursuit of agricultural reform and land policy advocacy, which profoundly impacted Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

Contributions to Agricultural Policy Under President Moi
Migot-Adhola was deeply involved in Kenya’s policy landscape during his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Daniel arap Moi’s administration.

 This period saw Kenya navigating economic turbulence and pressing social issues, particularly in agriculture, a sector central to the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans.

 His policies and insights aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting equitable land reforms.

“He understood the rural landscape of Kenya like few others,” said a former colleague, noting his “unwavering dedication to improving the lives of small-scale farmers.”

Championing Land Tenure and Property Rights
One of Migot-Adhola’s major contributions to the Ministry was his work on land tenure and property rights, which became a hallmark of his career.

 He championed equitable land distribution and tenure security, crucial issues in a country where land ownership has often been contentious.

 His dedication to addressing these challenges extended beyond Kenya, influencing policies at the World Bank, where he later served as Lead Specialist on Land Policy and Administration.

Migot-Adhola’s work at the World Bank resonated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where he advised governments on rural development strategies and land reforms.

 “Land ownership is the cornerstone of economic stability and growth,” he once said, underscoring his belief in land as a pathway to sustainable development.

Contributions to Kenyan Institutions
Throughout his career, Migot-Adhola also contributed to Kenyan institutions, serving on boards such as Equity Bank, the Housing Finance Company of Kenya, and the Kenya Wildlife Service. 

In these roles, he brought a developmental lens, particularly in his emphasis on rural financing and conservation efforts. His involvement with the Kenya Wildlife Service was especially significant, as he advocated for sustainable wildlife management practices that would also benefit rural communities dependent on these resources.

Impact on Academia and Research
In academia, he was a powerful voice at the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Development Studies, where he published extensively on issues of land, pastoralism, and rural institutions. 

His seminal work on land tenure and its impact on agricultural productivity remains influential, with scholars frequently citing his research on the social dynamics of land ownership in Kenya.

A Lasting Legacy in Global Development
Professor Migot-Adhola’s passing is not only a loss to Kenya but to the global development community.

 His contributions have left an indelible mark on policy frameworks aimed at bridging the gap between development needs and social justice. As Kenya and other African nations continue to grapple with challenges he so passionately addressed, his work will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for future generations.

Keywords:Shem Migot-Adhola:Kenyan agriculture:land policy:President Daniel arap Moi:Rural development