The Environment and Land Court has stopped Kenya Railways Corporation and other respondents from undertaking further construction and interfering with disputed land near Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The order protects businesses associated with Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi while a legal dispute involving a claim exceeding Sh14 billion proceeds.
Justice Oscar Angote issued the orders covering a 0.5723-hectare parcel off Lang’ata Road. The court barred further construction, excavation, development and alteration of the property pending the determination of the case.
The orders also cover machinery, rollers and other equipment belonging to four companies associated with Wamatangi. The companies named in the proceedings are Superclean Shine Enterprise Ltd, King Prime International Ltd, Prime The Place Ltd and Prime Auto and General Enterprises Ltd.
The dispute centres on King Prime International’s claim that it leased the property from Kenya Railways on May 2, 2001, under a 99-year agreement. The company says it occupied the land for more than 25 years and paid rent before structures on the site were demolished.
Kenya Railways disputes the authenticity and validity of the alleged lease. The corporation argues that the agreement was improperly executed and that the land falls within a railway safety reserve. It has also said the site is required for a railway station serving Talanta Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The companies claim that the demolition of structures on the property unlawfully interfered with their occupation and business operations. They are seeking more than Sh14 billion in damages, including claims for demolished structures, destroyed vehicles and equipment, as well as lost rental income over the remaining 74 years of the alleged lease.
The property reportedly hosted several businesses, including a car yard, garage, car wash, restaurant, small hotels, M-Pesa outlets and a barber shop. The companies told the court that the businesses supported more than 150 direct jobs and another 500 indirect jobs.
Justice Angote clarified that the court was not deciding whether the alleged lease was valid or fraudulent at this stage. Those questions will be considered during the substantive hearing, when the parties present their evidence.
The judge acknowledged the public interest in the railway project and noted Kenya Railways’ argument that delays could cost an estimated Sh5 million daily. However, the court found that the risk of further interference with the disputed property was real and required legal consideration.
The court also declined to review an earlier ruling after finding that the companies had failed to disclose material information concerning parallel proceedings. It nevertheless considered their request for fresh protection on its own merits.
The case is scheduled for hearing on December 3, 2026. Until the dispute is determined, the interim orders preserve the property and equipment while leaving the central questions of ownership, lease validity and compensation unresolved.
