Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has joined Runda residents in opposing the proposed development of an eight-acre parcel they claim was reserved for a public school.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Owino said the disputed property is intended for public utility and should not be taken over for private development.

The legislator criticised efforts to use the land for investment, arguing that its original public purpose should be protected.

“It is clear that this property is meant to be a public utility for the construction of a school. Then one developer comes and wants to grab this parcel of land and wants to abuse a public utility in the name of investment. We are saying a big ‘no’,” Owino said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Residents say they have been seeking to reclaim the parcel after plans emerged to put up a multi-storey development on the property.

They have raised concerns that the proposed project, involving 16 units on the property, could place additional pressure on the area’s drainage infrastructure and interfere with existing planning regulations.

Resident Agatha Kagia cited zoning requirements that she said provide for residential units to occupy at least half an acre, raising questions over the proposed density.

The residents have also challenged development on the site because they say part of the land serves as a water feature supporting birds and fish.

Further, they allege that several government agencies may have been involved in approving aspects of the proposed development.

Residents are demanding that the approvals issued for the project be revoked and the land returned to its intended public use.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke