EACC RECOVERS GRABBED 60-ACRE LAND, TURNS IT IN FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

INTEGRITY CENTRE PHOTO COURTESY: EACC

David Oginde, the Chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), made a significant announcement on Wednesday, disclosing that the government successfully reclaimed a 60-acre parcel of land that had been unlawfully acquired in South B, Nairobi. During a press briefing, Oginde refrained from revealing the identities of the influential individuals responsible for the land grab.

Oginde went on to explain that the recovered land has been allocated for use in the Affordable Housing Project, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs. The retrieval of this land was made possible through the collaboration of the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA).

EACC CHAIR DR. DAVID OGINDE | PHOTO COURTESY: @DOGINDE ON X

He further elaborated that the 60-acre parcel is now being utilized for the construction of low-cost housing units, with several buildings already in progress, some of which are nearing completion. These buildings are 14 stories high and consist of 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom, and bedsitter units.

While Oginde did not name the culprits behind the land grab, he emphasized that the prime land could have unfairly benefited only a select few individuals within the country.

As per current land valuations, an acre of land in South B typically ranges from Ksh65 million to Ksh100 million, underscoring the value and significance of this recovery effort.

The EACC has been working in close collaboration with the ARA and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to combat individuals who have illegitimately seized public land. Just last week, directors of three companies based on the coast voluntarily surrendered property worth Ksh305 million to the EACC. In an out-of-court settlement, these companies returned the title deeds of four islands situated within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Reserve to the government.

EACC has encouraged all parties unlawfully holding public property to consider utilizing the ADR mechanism for dispute resolution, rather than engaging in protracted and costly legal battles.

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