Alai Links Babu Owino to Grabbed Embakasi School Land, Urges Probe in Letter.
On Tuesday, a fresh angle emerged in the land dispute at Nairobi’s Nyayo Embakasi Estate when Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai wrote to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) CEO, David Koros.
The MCA demanded details about the alleged subdivision and sale of the estate’s Plot 817 to a private developer. The contested land, originally intended for two public schools for the estate’s children, became the focus of controversy after claims that a private entity sold it.
Residents took to the streets in protest on September 14, 2024, opposing the subdivision and sale of the land. In his letter to the NSSF, the body responsible for managing the land, Alai, a former Nyayo Estate chairperson, urged the Fund to address the matter.
He expressed concern that illegal implications could arise if the plot was not reverted to its intended purpose.
Public Land for Education
Alai emphasized that the plot was public property intended to help mitigate the infrastructure challenges faced by Nairobi’s education sector. He warned that losing it would be detrimental to the community.
He stated that the land had been designated for the public to resolve Nairobi’s critical shortage of educational infrastructure.
According to him, the subdivision and sale of the plot to private individuals not only violated the law but also undermined the pressing need to build public schools.
To underscore his point, Alai highlighted that public schools make up only 31% of the total educational institutions in Nairobi, a figure that falls far short of the city’s needs.
He reiterated that the land was crucial for addressing this shortfall and that its misuse would set back the city’s educational development.
Accusations Against Local Leaders
Alai went further, implicating Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino in the land dispute. He revealed suspicions that Owino and other local leaders might have facilitated the illegal subdivision of the plot.
Alai demanded clarity from NSSF’s CEO on how the public land was encroached upon and sold for private use without input from the residents or stakeholders.
In addition to demanding explanations from NSSF, Alai also called upon the National Land Commission (NLC) to investigate the legality of the land subdivision and sale.
He urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to examine any unethical conduct by public officials and elected leaders that may have enabled the illegal transaction.
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The MCA pledged to remain committed to ensuring the land is returned to the community for its original purpose.
Alai concluded by stressing that the illegal appropriation of public land must be stopped and the property restored to its rightful use. He called on the authorities to act swiftly to safeguard public resources and ensure that Nairobi’s education needs are met.
Alai Links Babu Owino to Grabbed Embakasi School Land, Urges Probe in Letter.
