Nairobi, Jan. 19 -- The University of Nairobi (UoN) and a private real estate developer are embroiled in a protracted court battle over a prime parcel of land valued at Sh450 million.

The dispute, which has dragged on for years, could redefine public land ownership and expose the government to compensation claims exceeding Sh1.2 billion.

The case pits UoN against Wathanangu Holdings Ltd, with the Attorney-General, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), the Chief Land Registrar, and the National Land Commission (NLC) listed as co-defendants.

The Environment and Land Court in Machakos has issued multiple rulings shaping the trial, with both parties accusing each other of unlawful conduct.

At the heart of the dispute is a land parcel tha...