EACC recovers 2.7-acre grabbed school playground in Kikuyu

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered a 2.7-acre playground serving three public primary schools in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, after a court ruled that registering it in the name of a church women’s group was illegal.

The Environment and Land Court in Thika ruled on October 5, 2026, that the land, registered as Title No. KARAI/KARAI/350, was public property reserved for use by Kanyiha, Lusigetti and Njumbi Primary Schools.

The court declared the allocation and registration of the property in the name of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Ruguthi Women’s Guild null and void, affirming that the land is held in trust for the three schools.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed the case, with EACC participating as an interested party. The commission presented evidence showing that the land had been set aside for public use but was irregularly allocated.

According to EACC, investigations established that the former County Council of Kiambu reserved the land as a school playing field in 1957.

The commission further established that there was no letter of offer or acceptance, evidence of payment of rent or rates, or proof that the women’s guild had paid the former county council for the property.

Confirming the recovery, EACC Head of Corporate Communications Stephen Karuga said the move safeguards a playground used by more than 1,300 pupils from the three schools, ensuring the facility remains available for learning, sports and recreation.

He says the commission remains committed to protecting public property and preserving public resources for the benefit of Kenyans.