By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, April 20, 2026 - Business and property owners in Laikipia and Lamu counties can breathe a sigh of relief after the two county governments announced waivers on penalties and interest on outstanding land rates and single business permits.
Through a gazette notice dated April 17, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mohammed Ali Mbwana, issued a notice of intention to grant a 100 percent waiver of penalties and interest on outstanding Land rates and Single Business Permits.
The move aims to encourage residents and businesspeople to settle pending arrears, improve revenue collection, and support economic recovery within the county.
"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 5(1) and pursuant to section 7 of the Lamu County Tax Waiver and Variation Act, 2026, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, with the concurrence of the Governor, Lamu County, gives notice of the intention to grant a 100% waiver of penalties and interest on outstanding, Land rates and Single Business Permits,” the notice read.
“This is in accordance with section 5(2) of the Act, being necessary to encourage settlement of outstanding liabilities, enhance revenue collection and support economic recovery within the County.”
Members of the public and other stakeholders have been encouraged to submit their comments or objections within 14 days of the notice.
Subject to public participation outcomes, the waiver shall kickstart after 14 days and shall remain until June 8, 2026.
However, Mbwana has noted that for one to qualify for the waiver, he/she must first settle the principal amount within the specified window.
“Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to clear outstanding liabilities and regularize their compliance status,” the notice read.
On the other hand, the county government of Laikipia has already approved a 100 percent waiver on penalties and interest on land rates.
According to the Finance F, Planning, and County Development CECM Samuel Gachigi, the waiver shall take effect from May 1 to May 31.
The move is also aimed at easing the financial burden on landowners while enhancing compliance and boosting own-source revenue collection.
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