Alai’s Letter Alleges Babu Owino’s Involvement in Nyayo Estate Land Grab

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has written to the CEO of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) David Koros requesting information about the alleged division and sale of land to a private developer in Nairobi’s Nyayo Embakasi Estate.

In his correspondence, Alai demands clarification regarding the alleged subdivision and sale of land originally designated for two public schools to a private developer. This disputed piece of land has been a source of contention, prompting residents to stage a demonstration on September 14, 2024. The protest was a direct response to claims that the land, intended for educational facilities, had been improperly sold and subdivided. Alai, leveraging his position as the former chairperson of Nyayo Estate, emphasizes the potential legal ramifications if the plot is not returned to its intended purpose.

In his letter, Alai notes the critical importance of the land for addressing Nairobi’s educational infrastructure challenges. He argues that the alleged illegal subdivision and allocation to private individuals directly contravenes the law and undermines efforts to address the significant shortfall in classroom capacity within the city. Alai points out that public schools currently constitute only 31% of the total schools in Nairobi County which highlights the urgent need for more educational facilities. The MCA also raises concerns about the potential involvement of elected officials in the controversial land deal.

Specifically, he alleges that Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino may have played a role in facilitating the illegal subdivision. In light of these developments, Alai has requested that the National Land Commission (NLC) investigate the legality of the land’s subdivision and allocation to private entities. Additionally, he has urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to examine any potential unethical conduct by public officers and elected leaders who may have been involved in the process. Nyayo Estate, developed by the NSSF in the late 1990s, stands as one of Kenya’s largest housing projects.

Home to over 30,000 residents, it was conceived as an affordable housing solution for middle-class Kenyans. The estate was designed to be self-sufficient, featuring amenities such as schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. Nairobi has a long-standing history of land grabbing and illegal allocations, often involving influential individuals and public officials. Such controversies have frequently led to protests and legal battles as communities fight to reclaim public land intended for essential services.

Land grabbing remains a persistent issue in Kenya, despite efforts by various commissions and task forces to address it. The National Land Commission has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to investigate and resolve land disputes across the country. However, their progress has often been impeded by challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political interference.