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KU has appealed to Parliament to help recover more than 100 acres of land allegedly encroached by squatters and to support its bid to regain full control of KUTRRH.
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Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu said land invasions had prevented the university from fully utilising part of its property, hampering its expansion plans.
Kenyatta University (KU) has appealed to Parliament to help recover more than 100 acres of land allegedly encroached by squatters and to support its bid to regain full control of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
Appearing before the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu said land invasions had prevented the university from fully utilising part of its property, hampering its expansion plans.
He told the committee that about 140 acres of university land had been encroached upon, forcing the institution into difficult negotiations to reclaim the property.
“About 140 acres of land have been encroached on. We are negotiating for more space, and our negotiations are out of desperation. We need the help of this committee,” Prof. Okumu said.
The university also urged Parliament to support efforts to restore its full control over the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), arguing that the institution should have greater oversight of the facility.
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Committee Chairperson and Luanda MP Dick Maungu assured the University of Parliament’s support in reclaiming the land, saying those occupying it lacked legitimate ownership documents.
The committee condemned what it described as the continued disregard of previous parliamentary directives, alleging that politically connected individuals had facilitated the illegal occupation of university property.
Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima claimed that attempts by previous university officials to address the land invasion had resulted in reprisals against them.
“This is a weighty and serious matter. The office holders who previously pursued the issue of squatters were suspended from office. Powerful people are involved in grabbing the land and misusing public resources. We must stand our ground because we are dealing with influential cartels and individuals who have constructed bungalows and storey buildings on the land,” Kirima said.
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Sotik MP Francis Sigei called for investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to establish those behind the alleged land grabbing.
“So far nothing has happened. Why can’t we recommend that the EACC and DCI be brought in to investigate this matter?” Sigei posed.
The committee is expected to make recommendations on the recovery of the disputed land and the university’s request regarding the management of KUTRRH.
By Ochola Victor
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