NAIROBI, Kenya — Landowners in Nairobi will begin paying new land rates from January 1, 2026, following the gazettement of the National Rating Act, 2024, which seeks to modernise property valuation and improve revenue mobilisation for the county government.
In a notice issued by Urban Planning Executive Patrick Mbogo, the new rates will apply to both flat-rate zones and properties assessed under the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll, marking the first major adjustment in over five years.
Under the revised framework, properties in flat-rate zones will attract annual charges ranging between Sh2,560 and Sh4,800, depending on land size. Parcels up to 0.1 hectares will pay Sh2,560 annually, while those exceeding 0.4 hectares will be charged Sh4,800.
For properties whose rates are determined by valuation—such as residential, commercial, and agricultural plots—owners will pay 0.115 per cent of the unimproved site value per year. The unimproved site value refers to the land’s market worth, excluding buildings or developments.
The county government outlined transitional measures to cushion property owners. Those whose new rates fall below 2022 levels will continue paying the 2022 rates, while any revision exceeding double the 2022 amount will be capped at twice the previous rate.
Property owners who objected to the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll will not be affected immediately and will continue paying the old rates until their appeals are determined by the valuation board.
Similarly, parcels missing from the draft roll will undergo assessment by the chief valuer at City Hall for inclusion.
The county has also directed sectional titleholders, including apartment owners, to open individual land rate accounts to improve compliance, ensure accurate billing, and streamline collection across multiple property units.
Governor Johnson Sakaja urged owners of unapproved or illegal buildings to take advantage of the window under the Regularisation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2025, warning that enforcement action will follow once the amnesty lapses.
“This review is part of our broader plan to align property values with market realities and enhance our capacity to deliver services through better revenue mobilisation,” Sakaja said in a previous address.
Land rates account for roughly 25 per cent of Nairobi County’s total revenue, forming the single largest source among the county’s six key income streams—parking fees, single business permits, house rents, building permits, billboards, and advertisements.
Analysts note that the new structure could significantly strengthen the county’s fiscal position but warn that public trust will hinge on transparent and equitable implementation of the 2019 valuation framework.
“Updating the valuation roll is necessary, but fairness and communication will determine how well landowners accept it,” said a Nairobi-based governance expert.
Residents can access invoices and make payments through the Nairobi e-services portal at nairobiservices.go.ke, or contact the county’s customer care centre for clarification.
