A Chinese firm acquired a prime property in Nairobi free of charge after its owner failed to claim it for 12 years.
Environment and Land Court Judge Christine Atieno Ochieng stated that China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation Corporation East African Company (CJIETCCEA) had occupied the property for 12 years without interruption, hence, had acquired it through adverse possession.
Consequently, according to the Judge, the firm should be deemed and registered as the owner of the land. "I find that the plaintiff has proved that it has occupied land reference number 3734/428 openly, uninterruptedly, notoriously and without permission from the owner for more than twelve years.
I find that the plaintiff should hence be declared to have acquired proprietary and ownership rights over the parcel of land reference number 3734/428, through adverse possession," said Justice Atieno.
