The government has strengthened its ability to improve land valuation services by hiring 98 land valuers and 31 valuation assistants.
Forty valuers have been with the Ministry of Lands for the past six months, and 58 more have completed their induction and are scheduled to report for duty next week.
Historically, a lack of land valuers has hampered the efficient delivery of services throughout the country.
With these new personnel, representation will extend to all counties, up from the prior coverage of only 24.
Lands PS Nixon Korir expressed confidence in the new recruits’ ability to drive change by enhancing service delivery, curbing corruption and increasing revenue collection.
“Good governance isn’t a miracle; it begins with each of us making the right choices. Last year, we collected Sh12.89 billion and with integrity and the right actions, we can easily double that,” he said.
Korir issued a stern warning to land officers involved in corrupt activities, saying the law will take its course.
Acting director of valuation, Herbert Were, congratulated the new land valuers, expressing optimism that they will improve service delivery.
“I have no doubt that with the support of the Principal Secretary, we will work more efficiently and effectively.”
The land valuers are entrusted with several mandates, including the valuation for stamp duty, land rent determination and the valuation of both lose and fixed assets for ministries, departments and agencies for book-keeping.
They are also responsible for preparing the National Land Value Index, assisting counties in valuations for rating and conducting valuations for the sale or purchase by ministries, departments and agencies.
