The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully reclaimed a prime piece of land worth Ksh45 million in Karen, Nairobi, after the High Court ruled that its private allocation was illegal.
The 0.029-hectare parcel, located along Mukoma Road, was originally designated for public use and the construction of an access road. However, it was unlawfully allocated to private individuals in 1996, despite having been surrendered to the government in 1994.
In a ruling delivered by Lady Justice Lucy Mbugua, the court found that the land’s transfer to private ownership was fraudulent. Consequently, the judge nullified the transaction and directed that the title deed be revoked. The court further ordered that the land be registered under the Nairobi City County Government as a public utility.
EACC has been actively pursuing cases of public land grabbers, and this latest victory marks a significant step in the commission’s efforts to restore illegally acquired public property. In recent years, land grabbing has remained a major concern, particularly in Nairobi, where public land meant for infrastructure, schools, and other essential services has been unlawfully acquired by individuals and private entities.
Following the ruling, the EACC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and recovering public assets. The commission has urged the public to remain vigilant and report cases of land fraud to ensure that public resources are protected.
This case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge of land grabbing in Kenya and highlights the importance of legal and institutional mechanisms in reclaiming stolen public assets. The ruling is expected to set a precedent for future cases involving illegal land allocations across the country.
