Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has expressed concern over the low rate of land rate compliance in the capital, noting that only a small proportion of landowners are contributing to the financial resources needed to sustain essential county services.

Speaking on JKL show on Tuesday, April 22, Sakaja revealed that out of 250,000 registered parcels of land in Nairobi, only 50,000 are currently paying land rates leaving the majority delinquent and severely limiting the county’s revenue.

“The biggest revenue earner in a city is property taxes. In Nairobi, we have 250,000 pieces of land but only 50,000 landowners are paying land rates, so the burden falls on this small group. That is not sustainable,” Sakaja reiterated.

Extension of waiver period

The Governor announced an extension of the land rates waiver until April 30th, offering a final opportunity for defaulters to clear their arrears without penalties.

“We have extended the waiver to 30th April this month,” he said. “Now that we have complete data on the 250,000 pieces of land, it’s time to collect what is due so that we can deliver services as a county. We’ve given enough time going forward, we shall enforce.”

The Governor also hinted at the enforcement measures that the county may deploy on non-compliant property owners, citing legal provisions that allow the county to clamp buildings.

“Buildings can be clamped. It is in the law, We would not want to get there. Let’s all take charge we’ve given enough time to pay. Let’s not leave just a small percentage of landowners carrying the heavy luggage of land rates.”He continued

The Governor urged residents to take advantage of the waiver window before enforcement actions begin.