MPs probe Kenya Railways over 74-acre SGR land acquired without documents
The disputed land was reportedly purchased by Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) from the Dupoto/Darfur Settlement Welfare Scheme, yet MPs were stunned to learn the transaction proceeded without verified proof of ownership.
Parliament has launched a fresh inquiry into the ownership of 74 acres of land currently hosting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus in Nairobi amid revelations that Kenya Railways may have acquired the property without any valid documentation.
Members of the National Assembly Lands Committee discovered that crucial documents—including title deeds and allotment letters—are missing, casting doubt on the legality of the acquisition.
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The disputed land was reportedly purchased by Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) from the Dupoto/Darfur Settlement Welfare Scheme, yet MPs were stunned to learn the transaction proceeded without verified proof of ownership.
The probe has now expanded to include a separate 55-acre parcel, acquired by KRC from the same scheme for Sh2.7 billion under similarly murky circumstances.
Committee chair Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango MP) revealed that KRC agreed to purchase the land based solely on a letter of interest from the welfare scheme’s chairman, Likam Ole Kiambu. Ole Kiambu had approached KRC after learning the corporation sought land for the SGR project.
The Dupoto/Darfur scheme claims ownership of both parcels—totalling 93 acres—carved from Nairobi Block Land No. 125/2173 in Embakasi. Ole Kiambu testified that the land had been under the scheme’s control since 1958 via allotment letters, but title deeds for the 74-acre portion remain pending, delaying compensation.
"Kenya Railways took 74 acres without payment due to lack of documents. The SGR now occupies that land," Ole Kiambu stated.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana questioned whether the scheme could ever secure compensation, given the missing paperwork.
"So Kenya Railways took the land without documentation, and your chances of payment are fifty-fifty?"
Kilome MP Thuddeus Kithua noted long-standing grievances among scheme members, with some allegedly receiving as little as Sh50,000 while others were forcibly evicted. Documents presented to the committee accuse politically connected individuals and law firms of misappropriating funds meant for compensation.
"The scheme has pursued justice through lawsuits and petitions, but to no avail. Funds were allegedly diverted to powerful figures," the documents read.
In light of the growing concerns, Nyamoko announced plans to summon KRC’s board chair, the National Land Commission, and the Lands Ministry to clarify the acquisition process. He also demanded all records and minutes from meetings between KRC and the scheme be submitted to the committee.
“We want to meet KRC. We want to establish how KRC was moved by a letter to spend Sh2.7 billion just because Ole Kiambu wrote to them. We want to understand this,” Nyamoko said.
He directed committee members to conduct a physical inspection of the site to determine its current status, occupation, and any ongoing developments. The Ministry of Lands was ordered to investigate land records at the Land Registry within 14 days and provide a detailed report on the actual ownership of the land.
Nyamoko also emphasised that the ministry must verify whether affected parties were adequately and fairly compensated based on market rates and existing legal provisions.
“What we will be seeking to establish is what was the exact amount disbursed by the Kenya Railways for the compensation of the members of the Welfare Scheme? Was the compensation fully accounted for?” he posed.
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