Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to land grabbers in the city, emphasizing a collaborative effort with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to reclaim illegally acquired land.
One notable instance is the reclamation of a five-acre parcel in Karen, intended for sewer treatment, which was unlawfully seized and subdivided. This land, belonging to the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), houses the Karen Ponds, a critical Sewerage Treatment Plant constructed in 1971 to serve Karen Shopping Centre and its environs.
Sakaja disclosed that the county has already recovered over 700 parcels of land and is actively pursuing more such cases. He warned land defaulters to settle their dues promptly to avoid the repossession and subsequent auctioning of their properties.
The Governor highlighted the significant outstanding debt owed to the county by land rate defaulters, amounting to nearly a trillion shillings. Notices have been issued to these defaulters, with a clear ultimatum: settle the dues or face property auctioning.
In a positive development, the Mutuini Market, whose land was reclaimed, is now undergoing construction for a new market and bus terminal, valued at 244 million shillings. The completion of this project by August is attributed to the community’s proactive role in championing land recovery efforts.
To facilitate compliance, the Nairobi City County Government has issued notices urging rate defaulters to clear their outstanding payments within 14 days, starting from May 2, 2024. They are directed to visit the NCCG Service Centre at City Hall or access rates invoices through the Nairobipay portal.
“The owners of all the Land Registration System (LRS) numbers with balances as of April 11, 2024, are advised to make their outstanding payments within 14 days of this notice. Rates Invoices can be obtained at the NCCG Service Centre 1st Floor, City Hall or through self-service by creating an account on the Nairobipay online portal (www. nairobiservices.go.ke) and generating an invoice,” notice in the dailies on various dates reads.
To facilitate payment of land balances, customers are directed to access the list of all Land Rate System (LRS) numbers with outstanding balances on the official website of Nairobi County, www.nairobi.go.ke. Once customers obtain their invoices, they can proceed to make payments using the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) revenue collection accounts. These accounts are as follows:
1. Cooperative Bank:
Account Name: Nairobi City County Revenue Collection
Account Number: 01141709410000
2. Equity Bank:
Account Name: Nairobi City County Revenue Collection
Account Number: 1770279910476
In addition to bank transfers, customers can utilize the USSD number *647# for convenient payment processing.
“Take notice that failure to pay the land rates will result in enforcement action in accordance with the law,” Analo warned.
