Cabinet Secretary for Lands Alice Wahome has confirmed that Martin Luther Primary School in Nairobi is the rightful owner of its land ending years of uncertainty over the property. The announcement has brought relief to parents teachers learners and residents who have been worried about repeated attempts to grab the school’s land.
The school located in Makadara Constituency has faced a long-running dispute over its land. Community members and school leaders have raised concerns for years claiming that private individuals were trying to take over part of the school’s property. There were also reports of encroachment and attempts to interfere with the land meant for education.
According to CS Wahome the Ministry of Lands carried out a fresh survey of the property and confirmed that Martin Luther Primary School legally owns 8.4 acres of land. She said the government has already issued a lease to Nairobi City County in trust for the school and a title deed will soon be provided to officially secure the land.
The matter reached the Senate after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna demanded answers from the Ministry of Lands. He asked the government to explain the ownership status of the land provide records of any past transactions and state what steps had been taken to stop illegal encroachment. His intervention helped push the issue to the national level leading to the latest confirmation by the ministry.
Despite the positive development some questions remain. Local leaders have asked the ministry to explain claims over another five acres reportedly linked to a private company. They also want the government to ensure that the entire school land is protected from any future attempts at grabbing.
Residents welcomed the announcement saying it is a major victory for the school and the community. They praised the efforts of the school’s Board of Management local leaders parents and residents who continued to fight for the protection of the public land.
The confirmation is also seen as part of the government’s wider effort to protect public school land across the country. Many schools in Kenya have faced similar land disputes due to missing ownership documents. The Ministry of Lands has promised to continue issuing title deeds and recovering public land that has been illegally taken.
For Martin Luther Primary School the confirmation means learners can continue their education without fear of losing part of their school. The expected title deed is expected to give the institution stronger legal protection and help prevent future land disputes.