The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recovered 12 parcels of illegally acquired prime public land worth KSh320 million in Kakamega and Bungoma counties, as stated on June 20.
The parcels, which included government houses, had been grabbed by private individuals in collusion with public officials.
EACC has since surrendered the properties to the 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 Ksh 320 million.
Recovered grabbed land
“These parcels, consisting of government houses, were acquired by private individuals in conflict with public officials,” EACC noted.
The Commission is also pursuing 56 other parcels suspected of having been irregularly acquired in the region.
These properties are owned by various state agencies, including the State Department for Housing, the Judiciary, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Railways, and the National Treasury.
During a regional security forum at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Kakamega, the EACC Western Regional Manager addressed the issue.
The EACC Western region
EACC Western region comprises Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Vihiga Counties.
The manager revealed that there were increasing cases of land grabbing of public land in western Kenya by private developers who use the fraudulently acquired title deeds to secure loans.
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“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 said.
The forum brought together members of the Regional, County, and Sub-County Security Committees from Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Vihiga counties.
Calls for support
It was convened by Western Regional Commissioner Samson Macharia and included County Commissioners, Police Commanders, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
Macharia called for joint efforts in tackling corruption and land fraud, asking the officers in charge of various departments to provide responsible and efficient service in their areas of command.
“Administrative officers must take full responsibility for the areas they command. Efficient service delivery starts with vigilance and cooperation,” he said.
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The Regional Commissioner emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption, urging officers to collaborate with EACC in its investigations.
EACC said recovery of public land remains a priority and warned that more actions would follow against those who acquired public property irregularly.
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