CEO hails ruling affirming government ownership of KICC

The High Court has affirmed the government’s ownership of the land on which the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) stands, resolving a long-standing dispute in a significant legal victory on.

KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its importance in enabling the enhancement of KICC’s financial performance for the benefit of all Kenyans.

The Environment and Land Court, led by Justice Jacqueline Mogeni, declared that the land was unlawfully acquired by the Kenya African National Union (Kanu) in May 1969.

The court revoked the title issued to Kanu and confirmed the Ministry of Tourism as the rightful owner.

"The allocation of the property to Kanu without following legal procedure is unlawful and illegal," Mogeni said.

She highlighted that Kanu failed to provide evidence of the legal procedure by which the public land was alienated and allocated to the party, noting that the commissioner of lands lacked the authority to allocate the property to Kanu.

Mwaura expressed relief at the resolution, which has been a priority since his appointment in March 2024.

"This decision paves the way for us to focus on accelerating the strategic efforts to enhance the profitability of this iconic building and grow Kenya’s conference tourism," Mwaura said.

He also expressed gratitude to the government, particularly the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Alfred Mutua, for their support in securing the title deed.

"Previous managements tried to secure the title deed in vain, but I am glad that this has now been sorted out," Mwaura added.

Kanu had filed the case in 2020, seeking to reclaim the land, arguing that it was allocated to the party in May 1969 by the commissioner of lands.

The party maintained that it held an indefeasible title to the land under Section 26 of the Land Registration Act, No  3 of 2012, and contended that the government's takeover in February 2003 was unlawful and uncompensated.

Mogeni clarified that the government repossessed the plot in 1971 and subsequently allocated funds to complete the building, which was officially opened by Kenya's first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, in September 1973.

Despite Kanu's claims, the court affirmed that the government had managed and maintained the complex with public funds.