Kakuzi PLC Faces Setback as Court Clears Path for Land Restitution in Murang’a
Kakuzi PLC has suffered a legal setback after the Environment and Land Court of Kenya cleared the way for the restitution of 3,200 acres of land in Makuyu, Murang’a County.
The ruling marks a major milestone for claimants under the Kakuzi Division Development Association (KDDA), who have pursued the return of ancestral land for decades.
Court Ruling Opens Door for Restitution
Justice Maxwell Gicheru lifted interim orders that had protected Kakuzi’s holdings. This decision allows authorities to begin the subdivision and allocation of the land to the claimants.
The court, however, granted Kakuzi PLC leave to appeal at the Court of Appeal. It declined to issue further injunctions, allowing the restitution process to proceed without delay.
NLC Recommendations Back Claimants
The ruling follows recommendations by the National Land Commission, which gazetted its findings on 14 November 2025.
The commission concluded that the land was taken from local communities during the colonial period and later allocated to Kakuzi PLC. It directed the company to cede 3,200 acres in Makuyu to KDDA and three other claimant groups for resettlement.
Step Toward Resolving Historical Land Injustice
The latest judgment represents a significant step in addressing long-standing land grievances in Murang’a County.
While the legal process may continue through appeals, the court’s refusal to halt implementation signals momentum toward resolving historical land injustices and restoring land rights to affected communities.
