The court ruling protects a 2.7-acre playground reserved for three public primary schools in Kikuyu.
The Environment and Land Court nullifies the allocation of land reserved for three public primary schools serving more than 1,300 pupils.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered a 2.7-acre Kikuyu school playground following a court ruling. The land in Kiambu County serves Kanyiha, Lusigetti and Njumbi primary schools.
In a statement dated October 27, EACC said the Environment and Land Court at Thika delivered its judgment on October 5. The court found the allocation and registration of the property to the PCEA Ruguthi Women’s Guild illegal and fraudulent.
Court protects Kikuyu school playground
The court declared the allocation and registration null and void, affirming the land’s status as public property. It also ruled that the property was held in trust for the three schools.
The Law Society of Kenya filed the case, while EACC joined proceedings as an interested party. The commission presented evidence showing that the land’s reservation for public use preceded its irregular allocation.
Investigations trace reservation to 1957
EACC investigators established that the former County Council of Kiambu reserved the property as a school playing field in 1957. However, they found no letter of offer or acceptance relating to the Women’s Guild’s acquisition.
Investigators also found no evidence of rent or rates payments. Nor did they find proof that the guild paid the former county council any consideration for the property.
More than 1,300 pupils benefit
The ruling protects a playground used by more than 1,300 pupils across the three public schools. It also preserves the space for learning, sport and recreation for current and future pupils.
Following the judgment, EACC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public property. The commission said it would continue working to preserve public resources for the benefit of all Kenyans.
