NAIROBI, Kenya — Landlords and property owners in Nairobi will start paying higher land rates beginning January 1, 2026, according to new directives issued by the Nairobi City County Government under the administration of Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In a public notice released on Friday, October 24, 2025, Patrick Mbogo, the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning, announced that the changes are in line with the National Rating Act, 2024, which empowers counties to review and levy property rates.
“In exercise of power conferred by Section 15(3) and Section 56(1) of the National Rating Act 2024, notice is hereby given to all ratable owners and the general public that land rates levied by the Nairobi City County Government for the year 2026 shall become due on the 1st day of January, 2026,” the notice reads in part.
Under the new structure, the County will implement flat-rate zoning as follows:
- Land not exceeding 0.1 hectares — Sh2,560 per year
- Land between 0.1 and 0.2 hectares — Sh3,200 per year
- Land between 0.2 and 0.4 hectares — Sh4,000 per year
- Land exceeding 0.4 hectares — Sh4,800 per year
Mbogo clarified that properties under private and public valuation will be assessed based on the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll, which forms the legal basis for determining land value across the city.
The new system introduces a uniform annual rate of 0.115 percent of the Unimproved Site Value (USV) for residential, commercial, and agricultural plots. This means all categories of property—whether homes, business premises, or farmlands—will now be charged at the same rate based on land value.
“The newly established land rates have been set uniformly across property categories to enhance fairness and streamline administration,” Mbogo said.
Property owners who objected to the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll have been advised not to make payments until their objections are heard and determined. Those whose parcels do not appear in the valuation roll are urged to contact the City Hall Chief Valuer for assistance.
Additionally, sectional title holders—such as apartment owners—must now open individual rates accounts under the new directive.
The move marks the first major review of land rates in Nairobi in several years, part of a broader effort to boost revenue collection and modernize urban planning.
The county government has justified the revision as necessary to align with updated property valuations and inflationary trends, arguing that the new framework will strengthen the city’s capacity to fund infrastructure, housing, and waste management services.
However, the adjustment is likely to trigger pushback from landlords and developers, who have in the past raised concerns about double taxation, poor service delivery, and opaque land valuation processes.
Mbogo maintained that the government remains open to dialogue, saying City Hall would continue engaging stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the law.
