Fresh questions are being raised over the future of part of Nairobi's iconic Jamhuri Showground after information emerged suggesting that land under the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) may be earmarked for a long term commercial development involving a private investor.
The claims, which have circulated among concerned members of the public and individuals familiar with activities at the site, have fuelled calls for transparency from the Agricultural Society of Kenya, the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, the National Land Commission (NLC), the Nairobi City County Government, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
At the centre of the controversy are allegations that a section of land associated with Jamhuri Showground has been leased for more than 50 years to China Plaza Company, with plans to develop a mixed use commercial complex.
However, several sources told Nyakundi Report that heavy machinery has recently been seen at the site, with sections reportedly fenced off.
The reports have triggered concern among members of the public who regard Jamhuri Showground as one of Kenya's most important public spaces.
For decades, the grounds have hosted the Nairobi International Trade Fair, agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, educational programmes and national events attended by thousands of Kenyans every year.
If any significant change in land use is being considered, many believe the public deserves a full explanation.
Another issue attracting attention is the allegation that Zenith Spatial Planning Ltd has been engaged to undertake planning work connected to the proposed development.
Documents seen by Nyakundi Report appear to indicate that public participation on the proposal was scheduled within a very limited timeframe.
If accurate, that raises questions about whether affected stakeholders were given adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to participate.
Under Kenya's Constitution and land laws, public participation is expected to form part of major planning decisions affecting public land.
Questions have also emerged regarding the ownership structure of the company reportedly linked to the project.
Corporate records reviewed by Nyakundi Report list several shareholders.
One of the names appearing in those records is Pamela Makena.
Nyakundi Report has not established whether this individual is the same person as any public officer bearing a similar name.
Another shareholder listed in the records is Yuehua Zhenya Bai.
Publicly available information indicates that a businessman with a similar name has previously been associated with construction and mining interests in Kenya.
Nyakundi Report has independently established that the shareholder listed in the company records is the same individual.
The matter goes beyond one proposed development.
It raises wider questions about the management of public land.
If land belonging to a public institution is to be leased for decades to a private investor, Kenyans deserve to know:
Was the land lawfully available for lease?
Was a competitive procurement or allocation process followed?
What consideration will the public receive?
Was Parliament informed where required?
Was the National Land Commission involved?
Was an Environmental Impact Assessment conducted?
Was public participation carried out in accordance with the law?
Will the Agricultural Society of Kenya retain ownership and control of the land?
Kuna expose ,hide id,
Kiwanja ya Showground Polo Club next to Talanta Stadium was grabbed and sold to Chinese, currently, they are building stores and restaurants there,
I talked with the Chinese, and he confirmed, but he told me part of Showground will be used as their godowns for their imported goods,
Hapo Kwa farasi, already they relocated to somewhere in Naivasha,only BM security office imebaki,kiwanja ya kucheza polo ilienda kitambo,
Remember Ile hoteli ya Kasongo na Charlene in Ngong Forest iliendelea after NEMA stopped it in paper, but on the ground iliendelea,
So NI hoteli ya kasongo na sai Chinese wanajenga manyumba hapo,
These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers.
The Agricultural Society of Kenya, China Plaza Company, Zenith Spatial Planning Ltd, the Ministry of Lands, the National Land Commission, NEMA, and Nairobi City County should all publicly clarify the status of the land, the approvals granted, the proposed development, and the legal basis for any long-term lease arrangement.
If the reports are accurate, Kenyans deserve complete transparency about the future of one of the country's most important public assets.