By Erestinah Jane | July 6, 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has commenced the recovery of Sh1.5 billion paid to private developers for the controversial Ruaraka public land following a Court of Appeal ruling that declared the compensation illegal. At the same time, the anti-graft agency has launched criminal proceedings against individuals implicated in the fraudulent payment scheme involving the 13.5-acre parcel.
The Commission said the Court of Appeal’s decision has paved the way for the recovery of public funds that were unlawfully paid as compensation for land determined to belong to the government. The ruling marks a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard public resources and hold accountable those involved in irregular land transactions.
According to the EACC, the recovery process will run concurrently with criminal investigations and prosecutions targeting individuals suspected of orchestrating or facilitating the fraudulent compensation. The agency maintains that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
The disputed 13.5-acre property in Ruaraka has remained at the centre of one of Kenya’s most high-profile public land controversies, attracting scrutiny over the legality of compensation paid to private entities despite claims that the land was public property. The case has raised broader concerns about the management of public land and the protection of taxpayers’ money.
The Court of Appeal’s determination that the Sh1.5 billion payout was unlawful reinforces the government’s efforts to combat corruption and recover assets lost through fraudulent transactions. The judgment also strengthens ongoing initiatives aimed at improving accountability in the management of public resources.
The EACC said the recovery of the funds and prosecution of those responsible form part of its broader mandate to investigate corruption, prevent the loss of public assets and ensure that individuals involved in economic crimes are held accountable.
The latest development is expected to reignite debate over historical public land disputes and the need for stronger oversight in land administration. It also underscores the increasing role of the courts in addressing corruption-related cases involving public assets and reinforcing accountability within public institutions.
Should the recovery process succeed, the reclaimed funds would return to the public coffers, while the criminal proceedings could set an important precedent in the prosecution of fraudulent compensation schemes involving government land.
