By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has achieved a significant legal win following a ruling by the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi that has seen the recovery of 7.11 hectares of public land forming part of the iconic Karura Forest, valued at KSh 2.8 billion.
The judgment, delivered on October 23, 2025, nullified the title deed to Nairobi Block 91/386, which had been irregularly allocated to Gigiri Court Limited.
“The Environment and Land Court in Nairobi on 23rd October 2025 delivered a landmark judgement cancelling the title to land known as Nairobi block 91/386, valued at Kes 2.8 Billio, in the name of Gigiri Court Limited,” stated EACC.
According to the Commission, the land in question was illegally amalgamated from portions of Karura Forest and land reserved for the Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC).
Investigations revealed that the property was unlawfully hived off between 1987 and 1995 and allocated to private entities through fraudulent transactions.
Justice David Mwangi, who presided over the case, declared that the Certificate of Lease issued to Gigiri Court Limited was null and void, ruling that the alienation of the land contravened both the Forest Act and the Government Lands Act.
The court further reaffirmed that the principle of first registration does not protect unlawfully acquired land, as provided under Article 40(6) of the Constitution.
The court also held Mr. Wilson Gacanja and Mr. James Raymond Njenga, both former Commissioners of Lands, personally liable for their illegal actions in the allocation process.
EACC sought and obtained orders for the cancellation of the lease and all related entries, the rectification of the land register, and a permanent injunction barring any dealings with the land other than its surrender to the Government of Kenya.
The Commission reaffirmed it commitment to recovering corruptly acquired public property and ensuring that such assets are restored for the benefit of all Kenyans.