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Ole Kina Challenges Secret 50-Year Lease of Jamhuri Showground to Chinese Firm

A storm of controversy has erupted following allegations that Kenya’s government entered into a decades-long lease agreement for the iconic Jamhuri Showground without adequate public consultation or parliamentary oversight.

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Senator Ledama Ole Kina has emerged as a vocal critic of the arrangement, which forms the foundation of the recently launched China-Kenya International Commerce Centre. The Narok Senator claims the historic Agricultural Society of Kenya grounds have been leased to China Plaza Group for a period exceeding five decades, raising concerns about the transparency of the deal.

President William Ruto officially inaugurated the Sh5 billion commercial complex on October 1, 2025, touting the project as a significant milestone in strengthening economic partnerships between Kenya and China. According to government officials, the development is projected to generate approximately 3,000 employment opportunities while serving as a catalyst for expanded bilateral trade relations.

The ambitious project encompasses multiple components, including a state-of-the-art exhibition center, hospitality facilities, and modern conference venues. Proponents argue the development will position Kenya as a premier destination for international trade exhibitions and business forums in the East African region.

However, opposition figures and civil society advocates have questioned the terms of the agreement, particularly the length of the lease and the process through which it was negotiated. Senator Ole Kina has been at the forefront of demands for full disclosure of the contract details, arguing that such significant decisions affecting public assets warrant comprehensive scrutiny.

“Kenyans deserve to know the exact terms under which this land has been committed,” sources close to the Senator indicated. The controversy has intensified calls for parliamentary intervention, with several lawmakers pushing for investigative hearings to examine the deal’s legality and commercial viability.

Environmental and urban planning advocates have also joined the chorus of concern, emphasizing the need to safeguard Nairobi’s diminishing green spaces. The Jamhuri Showground, which has hosted the annual Nairobi International Trade Fair and other major national events for decades, holds historical and cultural significance for many Kenyans.

Critics warn that without proper oversight mechanisms, similar arrangements could set a precedent for the allocation of other public spaces to private entities, potentially limiting community access to recreational and cultural venues.

The government has yet to issue a comprehensive response addressing the specific allegations, though officials involved in the project’s launch emphasized its economic benefits and alignment with Kenya’s development agenda.

As pressure mounts for transparency, the controversy underscores broader debates about public asset management, foreign investment terms, and the balance between economic development and preservation of public interest in Kenya’s rapidly evolving commercial landscape.

Parliamentary committees are expected to address the matter in upcoming sessions, with stakeholders across the political spectrum calling for accountability and full disclosure of the agreement’s terms and conditions