By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 December 2025 - Nairobi County has rolled out a fresh land rates waiver, even as City Hall raises concern over a deepening compliance crisis that shows only a quarter of land parcels in the capital are paying land rates a failure officials say is crippling revenue collection and undermining service delivery.
The one-off waiver, running from 15 December to 31 December 2025, wipes out 100% of accumulated interest and penalties for landowners who clear their outstanding arrears within the window.
The waiver has been published in the gazette notice, signed by the Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Charles Kerich.
Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge said the incentive is designed to ease the strain on ratepayers during the festive season while helping the county boost its own-source revenue.
"This is an opportunity to correct any outstanding land rates you may have accumulated. Take advantage of the waiver, which wipes out 100% of interest and penalties. Come 1 January 2026, it will not be business as usual any unpaid amount will be treated as default,” Mr Njoroge said.
Earlier this year, Governor Sakaja Johnson disclosed that out of 250,000 registered land parcels, only 50,000 are complying with land rate payments, which is barely one-quarter.
“The biggest revenue earner in a city is property taxes. In Nairobi, we have 250,000 pieces of land, but only 50,000 landowners are paying land rates. That is not sustainable,” Sakaja warned.
He added that the county’s inability to fund essential services from roads and waste management to health and public lighting is directly tied to widespread non-payment.
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“Now that we have complete data on all 250,000 parcels, it’s time to collect what is due so we can deliver services. We’ve given enough time; going forward, we shall enforce,” he said.
Ratepayers can download their bills via nairobiservices.go.ke or visit City Hall Annexe and all subcounty offices. The county has also provided active phone and email channels for inquiries.
Njoroge reiterated that the waiver period is the final soft landing for defaulters. Once it lapses, City Hall will act firmly within the law.
“Strict enforcement will begin immediately after December 31. Defaulters will be required to pay the full principal plus reinstated interest and penalties.”he confirmed
Governor Sakaja also hinted at tougher legal measures, including the clamping of buildings, for persistent non-compliance.
“Buildings can be clamped. It is in the law. We do not want to get there. Let’s not leave a small fraction of landowners carrying the heavy luggage of land rates,” he said.
City Hall is urging residents to take advantage of the waiver while it lasts, insisting that improved compliance is the only path toward sustainable revenue and better services in the capital.
