Range Development and Management Act, 1964 (Act No. 51 OF 1964).

This Act, comprising 55 sections divided into V Parts, provides a legal framework for conserving, rehabilitating, developing, and sustainably managing grazing lands and their natural resources, mainly by establishing range development areas, Range Development Commissions, and ranching associations.
Part I defines the Act's principal concepts and provides for the declaration of range development areas. It establishes a Range Development Commission for each such area, responsible for the rehabilitation, conservation, development and improvement of its natural resources. The Minister responsible for animal husbandry may intervene where a Commission fails to perform its functions.
Part II governs access to, residence in, and settlement within range development areas, including the issuance of permits and residence certificates. It also regulates grazing, cultivation, and the use of natural resources to promote land conservation and prevent soil erosion. To this end, the Commission is empowered to (i) restrict agricultural activities, grazing, and livestock movements; (ii) regulate vegetation clearance, water use, and the collection of natural produce; (iii) require afforestation, drainage, and land-protection measures; (iv) designate closed areas; and (v) undertake works for water conservation, erosion control, and the protection of flora and fauna. The Part further establishes enforcement powers and sanctions, including seizure, arrest, demolition of unauthorized works, and provisions for offences, penalties, and forfeiture.
Part III establishes procedures for investigating and developing areas as ranching projects, consulting prospective members and approving development proposals. It regulates the registration and legal status of ranching associations - corporate bodies responsible for managing ranchlands and developing their natural resources - and provides for the allocation of ranchlands or the grant of rights of occupancy and associated water rights.
Part IV governs the day-to-day management of ranchlands through authorized stocking limits and ranch management schemes. It provides for corrective action where livestock numbers exceed authorized levels and empowers associations to regulate stock quotas, grazing, cultivation, water and natural-resource use, conservation works, fire prevention, animal health, and related matters. The Part also establishes sanctions for non-compliance and offences involving trespass and the unauthorized use of ranchlands.
The Act is accompanied by 3 Schedules. The First Schedule designates the Masai Range Development Area; the Second governs the constitution, meetings, decision-making and reporting procedures of Range Development Commissions; and the Third introduces consequential amendments to existing legislation on mining, fauna conservation, local government, societies and forests to ensure consistency with the range-development framework established by the Act.