NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi landowners have just two days to clear outstanding land rates under an ongoing county waiver, with City Hall warning that penalties, interest and legal enforcement will kick in immediately after December 31.
The Nairobi County Government said any unpaid balances after the deadline will attract full interest and enforcement measures under the National Rating Act, marking the end of what officials have described as a final grace period for long-standing defaulters.
County Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge said the waiver would not be extended, warning that stricter recovery measures will take effect from January 2026.
“This waiver is the last soft landing. Once it expires on December 31, we will fully apply the law, including the provisions of the National Rating Act, to recover outstanding land rates,” Njoroge said.
He noted that continued non-compliance has placed an unfair burden on the small number of landowners who consistently pay their dues, undermining the county’s ability to fund essential services.
“It is unfair that only about 20 per cent of Nairobi landowners are currently paying land rates, leaving a small group of compliant ratepayers to shoulder the cost of essential county services,” he said.
According to the county, land rates are a critical source of revenue for roads, waste management, health services, public lighting and other core functions.
From January, officials say all lawful mechanisms will be used to recover unpaid rates, including penalties and legal action against defaulters.
The warning echoes earlier remarks by Governor Johnson Sakaja, who revealed that only about 50,000 out of roughly 250,000 registered land parcels in Nairobi are compliant.
He said low compliance has contributed to revenue shortfalls and slowed service delivery, adding that persistent defaulters could face tougher measures such as the clamping of buildings.
The county has also cautioned landowners against fraudsters claiming to offer shortcuts for settling land rates.
Njoroge urged residents to use only official channels, including county sub-county revenue offices and the Nairobi Pay online platform.
City Hall has urged landowners to take advantage of the final days of the waiver, saying improved compliance is key to restoring fairness, boosting county revenue and improving services across the capital.
