EACC Moves to Recover Sh1.5bn Paid in Ruaraka Land Compensation

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission says it will seek to recover Sh1.5 billion paid to Afrison Export Import Ltd and Huelands Ltd in the Ruaraka land compensation saga. The Court of Appeal recently upheld the payment as unlawful.

The case involves land that was allegedly acquired irregularly for the construction of Ruaraka schools. The compensation was made during the Uhuru administration.

The EACC had challenged the payment in court, arguing that it was not justified. The anti-graft body now plans to pursue recovery of the funds following the appellate ruling.

The commission confirmed that investigations into the role of public officials and other individuals involved in processing the payment were completed. The inquiry file had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in February 2025 but prosecution was deferred pending the outcome of the appeal.

Following the determination of the appeal, the EACC will resubmit the inquiry file to facilitate criminal prosecution of those found culpable. The commission also called on the Ministry of Education and the National Land Commission to process title documents for the land occupied by the two schools to secure it as public property.

The EACC said it had secured the original title deed and placed a caveat over the parcel of land to safeguard public interest after the compensation was paid.

This development comes at a time when the government is under pressure to account for public expenditure. Anti-corruption efforts remain a key focus for many Kenyans.

The Ruaraka land saga has been a long-running controversy in Kenya. It raised questions about how public funds are used in land acquisition for government projects.

The decision by the Court of Appeal sets the stage for further legal processes to reclaim the money. Details on the exact recovery mechanism are expected in the coming weeks.