A political storm is brewing between senators and governors over what lawmakers term as “exorbitant and arbitrary” land rates being imposed by county governments, alongside unexplained waivers that raise questions about accountability.
The dispute follows the recent enactment of the National Rating Act, designed to standardize how counties assess and collect rates on land and buildings while ensuring transparency. However, senators accuse some governors of abusing the law for personal or political gain.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni alleged that certain county bosses are using the Act to harass residents and force property sales under questionable circumstances. Citing Nairobi County, Omogeni claimed residents are being evicted and their homes auctioned at a fraction of market value.
“How can you auction a Sh12 million house to recover Sh104,000 in rates? This was never the intention of the law,” he said, calling the actions “inhumane” and urging the Senate Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources to summon Governor Johnson Sakaja for questioning.
Omogeni also took aim at Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accusing him of imposing high rates without a legally approved valuation roll. He emphasized that any waivers granted must be transparent and backed by public consensus.
Kiambu Senator Karung Thang’wa echoed the concerns, highlighting the absence of public access to valuation rolls, unexplained spikes in rate demands, and lack of official notices. He urged the committee, chaired by Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, to investigate whether Kiambu has a legally prepared and adopted valuation roll, complete with evidence of public participation and gazettement.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku stressed that the absence of public engagement in rate setting is fueling unrest. “A valuation roll must be subjected to public scrutiny before implementation. County governments should not impose rates unilaterally,” he said.
The National Rating Act also established the Office of the Chief Government Valuer to oversee property valuation and a National Rating Tribunal to handle disputes. Yet, senators argue that these mechanisms are being undermined by opaque county practices.
The Senate committee is expected to commence its inquiry in the coming days, a move that could set the stage for a broader confrontation over county fiscal governance and residents’ property rights.
