The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered public land worth Ksh 300 million in Kisumu, signaling a significant victory in the fight against corruption. The announcement was made during a press briefing on Tuesday, where the commission revealed it had reclaimed three parcels of land that had been illegally acquired.
Among the recovered properties is a seven-acre parcel belonging to Victoria Primary School, a road reserve leading to the Kisumu County headquarters, and land initially allocated to Kenya Railways.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, who led the operation, emphasized the commission’s commitment to restoring public resources. He urged individuals and companies implicated in land-grabbing schemes to comply with the law.
“Kenyans, and particularly grabbers of public land, may wish to know that the law allows the commission to engage in negotiations and alternative dispute resolution with those who have stolen from the public,” Ngumbi stated.
“This approach is intended to encourage voluntary restitution of stolen property, avoiding lengthy and costly litigation, which will ultimately still result in the government reclaiming its assets,” he added.
Ongoing War Against Land Grabbing
The recovery operation is part of a broader crackdown by the EACC, which had earlier vowed to reclaim public assets in Kisumu County. The lakeside city has long been plagued by rampant land grabbing, including brazen cases of irregular allocations of public land for private use.
In one notorious example, Kisumu’s City Hall issued advertisements in 2010 and 2011 for the alienation of public land in prime areas such as Kanyakwar, Mamboleo Estate, and Kibos. Many of these parcels, originally intended for health facilities, markets, and slaughterhouses, ended up in private hands through fraudulent allotment letters.
Reform Proposals to Protect Public Land
To curb future land-grabbing, the National Land Commission (NLC) has proposed the introduction of a “certificate of reservation” for public land. This would ensure that public land remains permanently designated for specific purposes, complementing existing certificates of lease and title.
“The use of public land is perpetual,” the NLC stated. “Introducing this additional documentation will provide an extra layer of protection against illegal alienation.”
Ksh 10 Billion in Pending Recoveries
EACC’s mission in Kisumu is far from over. The commission is pursuing lawsuits to recover additional public assets valued at Ksh 10 billion. These include land designated for prison staff quarters, Kibuye Market, and other critical infrastructure projects.
The EACC’s efforts are a bold reminder of the government’s resolve to combat corruption and reclaim assets meant for public benefit.
