Nairobi City County has launched one of its most wide-reaching enforcement operations in recent history, clamping down on nearly 2,000 properties whose owners have defaulted on land rates — a bold move aimed at recovering more than Ksh50 billion in unpaid dues.
As of this week, a total of 1,927 buildings across the city have been clamped in a multi-agency effort led by county officials.
The campaign is part of a broader strategy to close revenue gaps and strengthen the county’s fiscal position, officials said.
The operation, which kicked off last week, is being overseen by Tiras Njoroge, the county’s Receiver of Revenue, alongside Priscilla Mahinda, Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor.
The teams have targeted a wide range of properties, from commercial complexes in Nairobi’s Central Business District to high-end residential buildings in areas such as Lavington, Kileleshwa, Westlands, and Kilimani.
“This is not just about enforcement—it’s about restoring fiscal order and ensuring that property owners meet their legal obligations to the people of Nairobi,” Njoroge said in a statement on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Among the clamped properties is Uganda House, a prominent building in downtown Nairobi, as well as a privately operated parking lot on Taifa Road.
County officials say some property owners owe tens of millions of shillings in backdated land rates.
The enforcement has spread across 17 sub-counties, underscoring the scale and scope of the campaign.
County staff, accompanied by security officers, have been marking and locking buildings, making it impossible for owners to access them until outstanding payments are cleared.
A special committee has been established to determine the next steps for the affected properties.
Among the options under consideration are public auctions of buildings whose owners fail to settle their dues and the re-routing of tenant rent payments directly to the county government — a measure permitted under existing revenue laws.
“We are not relenting. It is only fair that everyone pays what is due to the county. In return, the county must deliver for Nairobians and ensure services reach everyone,” Priscilla Mahinda said.
City Hall has signalled that this is just the beginning.
Future enforcement waves are expected to target other revenue streams, including billboard licensing, rental arrears in public housing, and unregistered businesses.
The campaign comes at a time when the Nairobi County Government faces mounting pressure to improve service delivery amid rapid population growth and rising infrastructure demands.
With billions in unpaid land rates stretching back years, officials say decisive action is necessary to restore the county’s financial health.
While the crackdown has been praised by some as a long-overdue move to instil financial discipline, it has also raised concerns among affected property owners who argue that some enforcement notices were issued with little warning.
County officials, however, maintain that sufficient notice was given and that payment arrangements remain available for those willing to engage.
The clampdown continues this week, with more properties expected to be added to the list if arrears remain unpaid.
Martin Oduor
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