Nairobi County has announced a new land rates waiver to help landowners clear their arrears, even as the county raises concern over low compliance that is hurting service delivery.
The waiver will run from December 15 to December 31, 2025. During this period, the county will waive 100 per cent of accumulated interest and penalties for landowners who fully pay their outstanding land rates.
Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge said the move is meant to ease pressure on ratepayers during the festive season while helping the county raise more local revenue.
“This is an opportunity for landowners to clear their arrears. The waiver removes all interest and penalties. From January 1, 2026, unpaid amounts will be treated as default,” Njoroge said.
Earlier this year, Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed that only 50,000 out of 250,000 registered land parcels in Nairobi are paying land rates.
“The biggest source of revenue for a city is property taxes. But in Nairobi, only one quarter of landowners are paying. This situation is not sustainable,” Sakaja said.
The governor noted that low revenue collection has affected the county’s ability to provide key services such as road maintenance, garbage collection, healthcare and street lighting.
“Now that we have full data on all land parcels, we must collect what is due so that services can be delivered. Enough time has been given. Enforcement will now follow,” he said.
Landowners can access their land rates bills through the Nairobi Services website, visit City Hall Annexe, or go to their nearest sub-county offices. The county has also opened phone and email channels to assist ratepayers.
Njoroge warned that the waiver period is the final chance for defaulters to clear arrears without penalties.
“After December 31, strict enforcement will begin. Defaulters will be required to pay the full amount, including interest and penalties,” he said.
Governor Sakaja also warned that the county may clamp buildings owned by persistent defaulters, as allowed by law.
“We do not want to reach that point, but we cannot allow a small number of landowners to carry the burden for everyone,” Sakaja said.
City Hall has urged landowners to take advantage of the waiver, saying improved compliance is key to better services and sustainable revenue for Nairobi.
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