Nairobi County has seized four buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of a sweeping crackdown on land rate defaulters, marking the beginning of a major enforcement drive to recover hundreds of millions in unpaid dues.
Led by County Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge, the Tuesday operation targeted properties with long-standing arrears. “We’ve given them ample time to show goodwill in payment, but they have failed us,” Njoroge said, warning that the campaign would intensify from Wednesday, with 20 more properties in high-end commercial and residential zones set to be clamped.
County records reveal a worrying trend, only 50,000 out of 256,000 registered land parcels are up to date with land rate payments, translating to a mere 20% compliance rate. Njoroge emphasized that full compliance could generate billions for the county, easing financial strain and boosting public service delivery.
The county government has faced persistent revenue challenges, compounded by a bloated wage bill and stalled infrastructure projects. “It’s a sad affair. The 80% who don’t pay still expect quality services. That’s simply not sustainable,” Njoroge lamented.
With amnesty programs and public appeals proving ineffective, City Hall has adopted a hardline approach. A comprehensive list of defaulters has been compiled, and further legal and administrative actions, including property auctions, are on the table if compliance does not improve.
This aggressive move signals a new chapter in Nairobi’s quest to enforce fiscal discipline and hold property owners accountable.
Written By Rodney Mbua
