Waiguru’s administration recovers 800 acres of grabbed land worth Ksh1B
The Kirinyaga County Government has recovered more than 800 acres of grabbed public land valued at over Ksh1 billion, marking one of the largest land recoveries in the region’s history.
The reclaimed parcels, scattered across major towns, had been quietly taken over by influential individuals during the defunct local authorities’ era.
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The land was originally set aside for public amenities such as schools, hospitals, police stations, markets, and playgrounds meant to serve Kirinyaga residents.
Chuch returns to rightful land
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, after two long years of worshipping in borrowed spaces, jubilation filled the air in Kianyaga as members of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) finally returned to their rightful church grounds, the place they once called home before being evicted by a private developer.
The worshippers broke into songs of praise and thanksgiving as they stepped back onto the land they had prayed on for over three decades, celebrating a hard-fought victory made possible through the county government’s intervention.
Kirimara West Presbytery Moderator Rev. Wilson Maina expressed gratitude to the county for helping the church regain its land, saying justice had finally prevailed.
“We are happy to come back to our church after two years of eviction by individuals who had already been compensated elsewhere but failed to surrender the mother title to the former county council,” Maina said.
“They later returned and sold the land to unsuspecting buyers who came to evict us. Through the county government’s intervention, we have our land back, and we thank God for it.”
Maina urged potential land buyers to conduct due diligence before acquiring property to avoid being duped into purchasing public land.
“We call on buyers to stop targeting public institutions when buying land. Churches, schools, and hospitals serve the community; they are not for private gain,” he added.
Governor Anne Waiguru said the recovery of public property, such as the PCEA church land, ensures that communities regain access to facilities meant for their benefit.
“Public land belongs to the people. Restoring it to rightful use helps communities grow and thrive,” she said.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Samuel Kajombe, said several court cases are still ongoing to recover more parcels, including land reserved for the Gichugu Law Courts, Kianyaga Police Station, and Murinduko Dam.
He added that about 700 acres in South Ngariama, earmarked for schools, police stations, markets, and other public amenities, are also being pursued in court.
Kajombe revealed that some land grabbers had previously been compensated with alternative plots but later returned to reclaim and even sell off the same public land to unsuspecting developers.
Among the notable recoveries is the 242-acre Thigirici land, where the Sagana Industrial Park now stands, following a prolonged court battle won by the county government.
Other recovered parcels include land for the Kerugoya affordable housing project; Kutus bus park, Mwea “red soil” rice research Centre, Baricho stadium, and Nyangati MCA offices.
