A landmark ruling by the Environment and Land Court has delivered a major victory to claimants in Murang’a County, paving the way for the restitution of 3,200 acres of ancestral land in Makuyu. The judgment deals a significant blow to Kakuzi PLC and marks a turning point in one of the region’s long-standing historical land disputes.
Court Clears Path for Land Restitution
Justice Maxwell Gicheru set aside interim orders that had temporarily shielded Kakuzi PLC from surrendering part of its land. The decision effectively allows for the subdivision and allocation of the contested acreage to members of the Kakuzi Division Development Association (KDDA) and other claimants.
The ruling is expected to accelerate the resettlement process for affected families who have pursued justice for decades.
NLC Recommendations Upheld
The court’s decision reinforces findings by the National Land Commission, which on November 14, 2025, gazetted its final recommendations on the historical land injustice claim.
The commission had directed Kakuzi PLC to cede 3,200 acres from its Makuyu holdings to KDDA and three other claimant groups. The land was originally taken during the colonial era and allocated to the company, leaving local communities dispossessed.
Appeal Allowed, But No Injunction Granted
While Kakuzi PLC has been granted leave to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal, the court declined to issue further injunctions to halt the implementation of the decision.
This means the restitution process can proceed despite the pending appeal, a move seen as critical in preventing further delays in delivering justice to the affected communities.
Milestone in Addressing Historical Land Injustices
The judgment represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s broader efforts to address historical land injustices, particularly those stemming from colonial-era land dispossession.
For the KDDA claimants, the ruling signals renewed hope for restitution, resettlement, and long-awaited closure after years of legal and administrative battles.
As the process moves forward, attention will now turn to how quickly the land can be subdivided and allocated, and whether the appeal by Kakuzi PLC will alter the course of will alter the course of this historic decision.