By Lucy Jemeli
Lavington Primary School is once again at the heart of a protracted land dispute that has lasted over 15 years, with private developers, including Kensom Holdings Company, reigniting their attempts to seize part of the school’s land. Despite a ruling from the National Land Commission (NLC) in 2017 affirming the school’s rightful ownership, fresh demands from developers earlier this year have once again put the institution’s land in jeopardy.
The ongoing conflict has sparked frustration and concern among the school’s administration, parents, and local leaders, all of whom are now urgently calling for government intervention to safeguard the land from further encroachment. The school’s community fears that losing the land could have dire consequences on the future of the institution, including disruption to the learning environment and denying future generations access to education.
“This is a battle we have fought for years, but the developers keep coming back. How can a public school’s land be up for grabs?” lamented Jane Mwangi, a concerned parent. Her sentiments reflect the frustration shared by many in the school community.
The headteacher of Lavington Primary, who requested anonymity, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the critical importance of the land for the school’s operations. “Our children deserve a safe learning environment,” she said. “We urge the government to finalize the title deed process and put an end to this uncertainty.”
The dispute is emblematic of a broader challenge facing many public schools in Kenya, where a lack of secure land titles continues to leave institutions vulnerable to land grabbing. The issue has persisted despite previous assurances from government officials, and with the school’s title deed still pending, tensions remain high.
Alice Wahome, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, has reassured the public that the government is taking steps to resolve the issue. “No private developer will take school land under our watch,” Wahome stated in a public address. “We urge affected schools to report such cases so we can act swiftly and decisively.”
As of now, Lavington Primary School’s community remains on high alert, determined to defend their land and ensure that future generations of students will have access to the education they deserve. The case has highlighted the urgent need for government action to secure land ownership for public schools and prevent such disputes from threatening the stability of the education system.
The school’s battle is far from over, but with the continued support of parents, teachers, and local leaders, Lavington Primary remains resolute in its fight to protect its land and provide a safe, stable environment for its students.
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