KNEC loses land title, appeals to public for help

Old KNEC Offices on Dennis Pritt Road. [Courtesy]

The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has lost the grant title for its plot referenced 209/6900 and is asking the public to help recover the document.

In a notice published in MyGov, the council pleaded for the return of the title, saying it is crucial in proving its claim of ownership of the land.

“The public is hereby notified that the Kenya National Examination Council has lost the grant title for its plot LR No 209/6900,” reads the notice.

"Anybody who finds the document is asked to drop it at the council's offices in South C, off Mombasa Road in Nairobi or at the nearest police station." 

The council noted the document can also be sent to the Chief Executive Officer through P.O. Box 73598 - 00200 Nairobi.

The grant title confirms the council's rights over the land which was previously owned by the government.

In 2022, the council moved its headquarters to Mitihani House in South C after 35 years of construction.

The relocation was aimed at making the administration of national exams including Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) more efficient while cutting costs.

Before the move, the council operated from at least six locations in Nairobi, including Dennis Pritt Road and Industrial Area.

The office complex cost an estimated Sh3 billion, surpassing the initial budget of Sh248 million due to contractor turnover.

The missing land title now places the council among government bodies flagged by the Auditor General for holding land without proof of ownership, exposing them to potential land grabbing and legal battles.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu noted in her report for the 2023/2024 financial year that many public institutions lack land titles for key properties including Nyayo House and Harambee House.

In 2024, a dispute erupted between the government and the Kenya African National Union over the ownership of the land where the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) stands.