Kenyan tycoon John Kimani’s Kakuzi appeals 3,200-acre land dispute

Kakuzi Plc, the agricultural cultivation and processing company partly owned by Kenyan businessman John Kimani, has filed an appeal in Kenya’s Court of Appeal challenging a directive to surrender more than 3,200 acres of land, escalating one of the country’s most closely watched land disputes. The case raises critical questions about land rights, investor protection and historical land justice in Kenya.

The agricultural firm is seeking to overturn an April 27, 2026 ruling by the Environment and Land Court (ELC), which upheld a decision by the National Land Commission (NLC) requiring the company to cede land for settlement schemes and allocate an additional 50 acres to the Murang’a County government for public use.

Court backs NLC authority

In its earlier ruling, the ELC found that the National Land Commission acted within its legal mandate. The court said the commission conducted extensive investigations, including site visits, stakeholder hearings and consultations with government agencies, before issuing its directive.

The judge ruled that the NLC’s recommendations were grounded in due process and found no evidence of bad faith or procedural bias.

Kakuzi challenges legality of decision

In its appeal, Kakuzi argues that the court erred in upholding the commission’s authority, citing concerns over legality and procedural fairness. The company maintains it was denied a fair hearing before the directive was issued.

According to court filings, Kakuzi claims its constitutional and statutory rights were breached, referencing provisions of the National Land Commission Act and the Fair Administrative Action Act.

The firm is also seeking to overturn the court’s refusal to suspend the NLC’s decision, arguing that significant legal questions remain unresolved.

Dispute tied to historical land claims

The dispute stems from a Kenya Gazette notice published in November 2025 outlining recommendations linked to historical land injustice claims filed between 2017 and 2021.

Claimants include community groups and internally displaced persons seeking land regularization and title issuance. The NLC directed relevant authorities to formalize settlement schemes, improve access to public facilities and allocate land for urban development.

Investor concerns grow

Alongside its traditional crops, Kakuzi has been expanding its portfolio of value-added products such as roasted macadamia snacks and macadamia oil, while also investing in long-term resilience.

Kakuzi has warned that enforcing the directive could have significant economic implications. The company estimates it has invested about Sh11 billion in land, infrastructure and biological assets tied to the affected area. It said surrendering 3,200 acres could disrupt operations, impact approximately 1,400 shareholders and create uncertainty for investors.

Analysts say the outcome of the appeal could shape perceptions of Kenya’s investment climate, particularly regarding property rights and regulatory stability. The Court of Appeal’s decision is expected to test the balance between addressing historical land injustices and safeguarding investor confidence in Kenya’s economy. The case remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in the country’s land and investment landscape.