Nairobi County Government has escalated efforts to tackle the growing issue of land rate defaulters, moving to court to seek permission to auction properties of persistent defaulters. The crackdown aims to boost revenue collection and improve the delivery of essential public services.
Charles Kerich, Nairobi County Finance CEC, revealed during a recent radio interview that enforcement operations have now entered their third week, with the county focusing on landowners who have continuously failed to settle their outstanding rates. “We have compiled a list of clamped properties whose owners have refused to pay, and we are now seeking court intervention to auction these properties to the highest bidders,” Kerich explained.
The county is also collaborating with the Ministry of Lands to impose caveats on affected properties. This legal measure will restrict owners from selling, developing, or using their properties as collateral for loans until all outstanding land rates are fully cleared. “Once the Ministry confirms, these caveats will ensure no transactions can happen on those properties without full compliance,” said Kerich.
The crackdown comes against the backdrop of widespread non-compliance, with only about 20 percent of Nairobi landowners reportedly up to date on their rate payments. This low compliance level has strained the county’s ability to deliver vital services such as road maintenance, hospital stocking, and water provision. Kerich emphasized the importance of fairness and accountability, stating, “If everyone paid what they owe, we’d have enough resources to fix roads, stock hospitals, and provide water to all estates.”
The ongoing enforcement will extend beyond the current financial year, with court actions continuing indefinitely to ensure sustained compliance. “Even after June, enforcement will not stop. This is about civic responsibility,” Kerich noted.
This initiative highlights Nairobi County’s commitment to improving revenue collection as it approaches the end of the 2024/2025 financial year, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable system for all residents.
