The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered 12 parcels of illegally acquired prime public land worth an estimated Sh320 million in Kakamega and Bungoma counties.
The commission made the announcement on Thursday, underscoring the growing threat of land fraud in the region.
The recovered parcels, some of which include government houses, had been grabbed by private individuals in collusion with corrupt public officials.
EACC confirmed that the properties have since been surrendered to their rightful public institutions.
“Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered and surrendered to the rightful owners 12 parcels of prime public land, valued at KSh320 million.
These parcels, consisting of government houses, were acquired by private individuals in conflict with public officials,” read a statement from the commission.
In addition to the recovered properties, the EACC revealed it is pursuing another 56 parcels in the region suspected to have been irregularly acquired.
The affected land belongs to several state agencies, including the State Department for Housing, the Judiciary, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Railways, and the National Treasury.
The announcement was made during a regional security forum held at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Kakamega, where EACC Western Regional Manager highlighted the increasing trend of land grabbing by private developers.
He noted that in many cases, the fraudulently obtained title deeds are used to secure bank loans.
“We have noted a surge in illegal acquisition of public land by private developers. The grabbed lands are often used as collateral to secure loans using forged title deeds,” he warned.
The forum brought together members of Regional, County, and Sub-County Security Committees from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga counties.
It was convened by Western Regional Commissioner Samson Macharia and included County Commissioners, Police Commanders, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
Commissioner Macharia called for a united front in tackling corruption and land fraud, urging administrative officers to uphold accountability and vigilance in their areas of command.
“Administrative officers must take full responsibility for the areas they command. Efficient service delivery starts with vigilance and cooperation,” Macharia said.
He also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, encouraging officers to support EACC’s ongoing investigations.
EACC reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the recovery of public land and warned that further legal action would be taken against individuals and entities found to have acquired public property irregularly.
The commission has called on citizens to report cases of land fraud and pledged to continue working with other government agencies to safeguard public assets across the country.
Former TSC CEO Nancy Macharia Nominated As Chair Of Murang’a County Public Service Board
