Residents of Eastleigh are concerned over a land dispute involving a one-acre plot near Starehe Boys Centre meant to support persons with disabilities and vulnerable families.
The land, previously leased to a businessman in 2020, is now at the center of a conflict over ownership and access.
A community representative, who survived the 1998 August bomb attack, says the land was entrusted to her by the government to support PWDs and disadvantaged families. She leased part of it to a private developer under an agreement that was to expire in March 2025.
However, she claims the developer breached the terms by refusing to pay rent until the project started operating, with the intention of paying two years’ dues later.
She clarified that she does not own the land personally but sponsors Safaith Centre, a local school built on part of the property to help children from vulnerable families and those living with disabilities.
The school has become a key community resource, providing education and support to those most in need.
Tensions escalated when residents tried to secure the land, only for unknown individuals, allegedly backed by government security officers, to reopen an access route through the property.
The school director said, “Yesterday we covered the place, but some people, with the support of government apparatus, came and opened up a road, yet it is not a road.”
The situation worsened when a public road near the land was temporarily closed, prompting intervention from security agencies and local administrators.
Starehe Assistant County Commissioner Linus Bi confirmed that authorities acted to prevent further escalation and that investigations into the land’s ownership are ongoing.
He said, “We cannot say who the actual owner is until we hold a meeting and verify the documents.”
Residents fear that if the dispute leads to the closure of the school and support facilities, the consequences could be severe.
One concerned community member warned, “If this school is closed, our children will drop out of school and end up becoming addicts and thieves.”
The dispute remains unresolved, and community members are closely watching government actions, hoping the land continues to serve its intended purpose.
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