EACC to recover land grabbed by developers in central Kenya

EACC intends to recover prime land worth Sh2 billion. [iStockphoto]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intends to recover prime land worth Sh2 billion in central Kenya said to have been grabbed by private developers.

Speaking during the launch of a corruption risk assessment report, Central Regional Manager Abraham Kemboi said the land belonged to the Judiciary, the Roads ministry and State Department for Public Works.

"Cases of land grabbing are rampant in many counties nationally with Nyeri, Laikipia, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, and Nyandarua being targeted by land grabbers who take ownership of public or government land for their own gain using fake title deeds," said Mr Kemboi.

The EACC officer urged individuals who have illegally acquired the 130 parcels of government land to surrender the title deeds.

"In Nyeri town, 60 parcels of land worth Sh1 billion have been grabbed by unknown private developers. The titles have been revoked as investigations are going on," said Mr Kemboi.

He said that in Nanyuki town, land grabbers had taken possession of 40 parcels of land valued at Sh900 million, which had been set aside to build the county commissioner's residence, police stations and a chief's camp as well as to expand the Nanyuki Law Courts.

Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinaniri said the county government had recovered 100 acres of land at Narumoru. He said land grabbing had hindered plans to build residential houses and offices.