A typographical error could deprive Kitui's South Eastern University College a Sh450 million plot in Nairobi's Upper Hill area, the Star has learned.

President Mwai Kibaki decreed the transformation of the Ukamba Agricultural Institute to the South Eastern University College, but its name was misspelt as Ukambani Agricultural Institute in a 2008 gazette notice.

This left a loophole through which some Ukai directors have exploited to dispose off the prime parcel of land. Four directors have allegedly entered into an agreement to sell the 1.5 acre plot to Dubai Bank despite the takeover of the institution by Seuco.

With the transformation of Ukai to Seuco, the latter took over all assets and liabilities of the former. The Ukai directors had earlier lost a case in which they were fighting the takeover by Seuco.

Justice Roselyn Nambuye dismissed the case after the directors failed to proof the existence of Ukambani Agricultural Institute.

"The property the directors sought to protect was already vested with the Seuco, who now have the legal mandate to administer it," Justice Nambuye ruled on April 21 last year.

In a 28 page ruling, Justice Nambuye dismissed the directors' application to protect the plot in question, saying no explanation had been given as to why only one property is sought to be protected and not the rest of the other properties.

Details indicate that the parcel of land situated on Upper Hill road and adjacent to the Nairobi Club has allegedly been sold at an undervalued price of Sh215 million. Its actual value is thought to be Sh450 million.