In a dramatic turn of events, Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has witnessed the seizure of a prominent parking lot, previously controlled by private interests, by the Nairobi County Government. This bold move marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to reclaim public spaces and enhance revenue collection.

The parking lot, situated between Nyayo House and the Intercontinental Hotel, had been at the center of a protracted legal battle involving Nairobi County, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and Kenya Properties Limited, the owners of the Intercontinental Hotel. The dispute revolved around claims that the land was once part of an 80-meter road. In the settlement, Nairobi County admitted it did not own the land and agreed to pay Sh85 million in compensation. Meanwhile, Kenya Properties Limited was fined Sh70 million for trespassing, a penalty later reduced to Sh22 million following an appeal .

This seizure is part of a broader initiative by the Nairobi County Government to reclaim public spaces that have been unlawfully occupied or underutilized. In June 2024, City Hall repossessed 25 unpaid and grabbed loading zones in the CBD, aiming to convert them back into parking slots to