EACC Recovers Ksh20 Million Public Land in Kakamega Municipality
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered a 0.9-hectare parcel of public land in Kakamega Municipality valued at Ksh20 million, in a major legal victory against land grabbing.
The recovery follows a High Court judgment delivered on August 6, 2025, by Justice Philip Mutua, who ruled that the land—Kakamega Municipality Block 111/100—was unlawfully leased to a private individual and must revert to the government.
Land Meant for Civil Servants’ Housing
According to court documents, the land was registered on December 28, 1974 and classified as trust land, intended for housing civil servants under the Ministry of Housing.
In 1996, the Land Commissioner oversaw its subdivision into three parcels, one of which was irregularly leased to a private owner for 99 years. The court declared that any title or lease issued over the property was null and void, as trust land could not be transferred to private ownership under any circumstances.
Court Orders and Injunction
The High Court ordered:
- Cancellation of all unlawful entries in the land registry.
- Surrender of vacant possession to the government.
- A permanent injunction to bar any future private dealings on the property.
EACC Hails Victory
EACC welcomed the ruling, saying it underscores the Commission’s commitment to protecting public assets.
“This decisive ruling not only restores the land to the rightful owner but also sends a strong message that public resources are not for private grabbing,” the Commission said in a statement.
The watchdog added that public land designated for essential services—such as housing—must remain protected from corruption and illegal allocation.
Part of Wider Crackdown on Land Grabbing
In July 2025, EACC also recovered Ksh104 million worth of public land in Mombasa belonging to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). That parcel had allegedly been unlawfully acquired by a former Coast Province physical planner.
The Commission maintains that such recoveries are crucial to safeguarding public resources and deterring corrupt practices.