The Public Investments Committee of the National Assembly demanded Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to present the title deed for the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) land.
Under the chairmanship of David Pkosing’, Member of Parliament for Pokot South, the Committee instructed both the Lands Ministry and the National Lands Commission to provide the title deed within 30 days.
During the parliamentary session, Wahome, accompanied by tourism counterpart Alfred Mutua, clarified that the land on which KICC stands had not been unlawfully acquired.
Meanwhile, Tourism CS Alfred Mutua, also present at the hearing, refuted any claims by private entities attempting to assert ownership over the land where the national monument is situated.
Addressing the issue, CS Alice Wahome pledged to resolve the matter concerning the KICC title deed promptly. She emphasized the public nature of the land, stating, “We are in agreement that this is public land. What we are not in agreement on, for now, is any personal interest hindering progress.”
Furthermore, Wahome assured the committee of the security of the remaining land, commonly referred to as COMESA ground, stating, “I assure the committee that the remaining land, popularly known as COMESA ground, is secure.”
This development follows concerns raised by the National Assembly lands committee on February 14, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the ownership status of KICC and its surrounding land due to national security implications.
Subsequently, the committee summoned the CEO of the National Lands Commission (NLC) and the Lands CS to appear before them on February 22.
Of particular concern was the claim by the Nairobi County Government over the land housing the Garden Square Restaurant adjacent to Harambee House.
MP Pkosing underscored the gravity of the situation, warning of potential asset losses for KICC if the two parcels were not vested under the Convention’s ownership.
The ownership dispute over the KES 2.2 billion parcel of land where the tower stands was initially brought to attention in July 2021 following revelations from the Auditor General’s report indicating that the land was not registered under the State’s name.
