The land tussle in Nairobi’s Nyayo Embakasi Estate took a different twist on Tuesday after Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) wrote to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Chief Executive Officer David Koros demanding information on the alleged subdivision and sale of land to a private developer.
The land in question (Plot 817) has been a subject of controversy following claims of how a private developer sold the piece that was supposed to hold two public schools for children staying in the estate. This prompted the residents to demonstrate on September 14, 2024, in protest of the subdivision and sale of the land.
In a letter addressed to the NSSF (mandated trustee to manage the land) CEO, the MCA who is also a former Nyayo Estate chairperson wants Fund to address the issues arising from the disputed prime plot maintaining that a lot of illegal implications will likely arise if the plot is not reverted.
Alai maintained that the land was a public property meant to address infrastructural challenges in Nairobi’s education sector and therefore losing it would not be in good taste.
A photo of apartments in Nyayo Estate, Nairobi County.
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Nyayo Estate Embakasi
‘’This land was allocated for the benefit of the public, addressing Nairobi’s critical shortage of educational infrastructure. However, recent developments indicate that the land has been illegally subdivided and allocated to private individuals directly violating the law,’’ Alai maintained.
‘’This act undermines the urgent need to build public schools, especially considering that Nairobi City County currently faces a significant shortfall in classroom capacity, with public schools constituting only 31% of the total schools in the county,’’ he added.
Alai also accused Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino revealing that he may have had a role in the subdivision of the land.
“Furthermore, elected leaders in the area, led by the Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino, may have played a role in facilitating this illegal subdivision,” Alai added.
The MCA, therefore, demanded David Koros to clarify how the public land was encroached and subdivided for private use without their input.
He also asked the National Land Commission (NLC) to look into the legality of the subdivision and allocation of the land to private individuals and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to look into any unethical conduct by public officers and elected leaders who may have facilitated the illegal subdivision.
Alai maintained that he would stay on course to ensure that the land was restored to the community.
‘’This illegal appropriation of public land must be halted, and the land restored for its original purpose of serving the community. I call upon the relevant authorities to take swift action in protecting public resources and ensuring that Nairobi’s public education needs are met,’’ he added.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing constituents.
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Babu Owino
