The directors of three Coast-based companies have surrendered Ksh305 million property in an out-of-court settlement with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
In a statement on Monday, the Commission noted that the three- Pwani Holdings Resort Limited, Bantus Investment Limited, and Pangos Limited- returned the title deeds of four islands within the Kisite - Mpunguti Marine National Reserve to the state.
EACC noted that the recovery was made through the Commission’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.
The parcels, located in Kwale County, had allegedly been illegally obtained by the companies and their directors.
"The property comprises 4 islands within the Kisite/Mpunguti Marine National Reserve, which is a protected, reserved, and gazetted area under the management and conservation of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)," read the statement in part.
"The Commission encourages all other persons illegally holding public property to take advantage of the ADR mechanism to resolve disputes as opposed to waiting for a lengthy and costly litigation process."
The surrender will allow for the cancellation of the title deeds and fresh registration under KWS.
Reports indicate that one of the occupants of the land was planning to set up a private airstrip on the parcel.
State agencies have intensified crackdown on land grabbers, but some critics have pointed out that the real barons are enjoying protection from high offices.
In August, EACC successfully reclaimed part of a Ksh9.4 million parcel of land that formed part of the national government cemetery project.
At the time, the state gave Nairobi Ksh283 million for the purchase of land to be used as a cemetery.
The city, however, only purchased land worth Ksh110 million and the rest was reportedly acquired by private entities. After a protracted court battle, the state won the case.
