EACC Recovers 2.7-Acre School Playground in Kiambu After Court Ruling
KIKUYU, Kiambu County — October 26, 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered a 2.7-acre public school playground in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, following a court ruling that declared its registration under a church women’s organisation illegal and fraudulent.
The land had been reserved for use by three public primary schools: Kanyiha, Lusigetti and Njumbi Primary Schools.
In a judgment delivered on October 5, 2026, the Environment and Land Court in Thika ruled that the property was public land and that its registration under the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Ruguthi Women’s Guild was unlawful.
The development was reported on Monday, October 26, bringing renewed attention to the protection of public land and the fight against the irregular allocation of public resources.
How the Land Dispute Began
According to the EACC, investigations established that the former County Council of Kiambu had set aside the land in 1957 for use as a school playing field.
However, the property was later registered in the name of the women’s organisation, with a title deed issued in 2001.
Investigators found no supporting letter of offer or acceptance, no evidence of rent or rates payments, and no proof that the organisation had paid for the allocation.
The case was brought by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), with the EACC participating as an interested party.
What the Court Ordered
The court declared the allocation and registration of the property illegal, null and void.
It directed the relevant land authorities to cancel the disputed title and register the property as public school land held in trust for the three schools.
The ruling also permanently prohibits the former titleholder and those acting on its behalf from taking possession of, fencing, developing, transferring or otherwise interfering with the playground.
The decision protects the land’s intended public use and prevents it from being treated as private property.
More Than 1,300 Pupils to Benefit
The playground serves more than 1,300 pupils from the three schools, according to the EACC.
Restoring the land to its public purpose will help preserve space for physical education, sports, recreation and other school activities.
The commission said the recovery forms part of its wider efforts to protect public property and ensure resources intended for communities are not unlawfully acquired.
A Warning Over Public Land
The case highlights the importance of proper land records, lawful allocation procedures and accountability in the management of public property.
It also demonstrates that registration and possession of a title deed do not automatically protect a claim where a court establishes that public land was allocated illegally.
The latest development is likely to draw attention from communities concerned about the protection of school grounds, playgrounds and other public facilities.
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