High Court halts auction of Sh300 million public land in Nakuru

EACC South Rift Regional Manager Ignatius Wekesa points to the extent of a parcel of land belonging to the Agricultural Training Center (ATC) near Njoro Junction in Nakuru City. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The High Court of Kenya has halted the planned auction of a Sh300 million parcel of public land in Nakuru, allegedly grabbed by a private developer in Nakuru County.

This decision follows a move by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to seek preservation orders, preventing Eco Bank from auctioning the land after the alleged grabber defaulted on a Sh40 million loan.

According to Ignatius Wekesa, the EACC's South Rift regional manager, the disputed land belongs to the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC). However, Hashi Energy Limited is also claiming ownership of the property.

In his ruling, Justice Charles Kariuki barred Eco Bank and Hashi Energy Ltd from selling, charging, alienating, auctioning, or otherwise disposing of the land until the EACC case is heard.

The land, which was scheduled to be auctioned today, is part of a 165-acre tract of ATC land valued at over Sh10 billion, reportedly grabbed by more than 50 private individuals.

The EACC stated that the land is currently under active investigation, with efforts underway to recover it.