The Nairobi City County Executive Committee, under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja, has approved the auctioning of properties with outstanding land rates owed to the county.
In addition to this decision, caveats will be imposed on all debt properties to prevent any transactions, including subdivision, amalgamation, and transfer.
The committee also authorized the issuance of agency notices for properties with rental income, requiring tenants to pay rent directly to the Nairobi City County Government until the outstanding rates are fully settled.
These actions come after the expiration of the second waiver for land rates penalties and interest, with the condition that property owners settle the principal amount owed.
“The recovery process should be as efficient as possible and be handled by county internal lawyers to avoid incurring huge legal fees that are normally pegged on the value of land in dispute,” the Governor said.
The county government recently announced a one-month grace period for rates defaulters to settle the principal amount, with interest and penalties waived. Governor Sakaja instructed all County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers to provide vehicles and resources for revenue enhancement efforts.
As of today, Nairobi has collected Ksh3.255,969,569 in land rates against a target of Ksh7 billion, with two weeks remaining in the financial year. Total revenue collected stands at Ksh12,262,100,000, marking the highest collection by any county government since devolution began.
Governor Sakaja commended the county revenue team for exceeding the target, despite a period of suspended enforcement to allow clients time to comply. Additionally, the Governor has instructed the Environment sector to commence beautification efforts at Langata Cemetery.
“Many people have sentimental feelings towards Langata Cemetery as almost everyone knows someone who is buried there.
The ‘green army’ should use the resources already at their disposal and the plans at the City Park tree nursery to beautify the cemetery,” the Governor said.
The County Executive Committee Member for Finance was directed to issue a circular with guidelines on local and foreign travel.
