If you are a landowner in Nairobi and you’ve been sitting on your unpaid land rates, consider this your final “Red Alert.”
The Nairobi City County government has officially slammed the door on any hopes for an extension of the current 100 percent interest and penalties waiver. With the clock ticking toward the December 31 deadline, Governor Sakaja’s administration has made it clear: the grace period is over, and the consequences for defaulters will be swift and severe.
For the past few weeks, City Hall has been running a “Lipa Karibu” campaign, offering a olive branch to perennial defaulters by waiving all accumulated interest and penalties for those who settle their principal land rates. It was a move designed to cushion residents against the tough economic times while refilling the county’s dwindling coffers.
However, many residents—perhaps accustomed to the culture of last-minute extensions – have been slow to take up the offer. On Monday, December 29, County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning, Charles Kerich, issued a stern warning to those banking on more time.
“There will be no further extension after December 31. We have provided ample time for property owners to regularize their accounts,” Kerich stated. “From January 1, 2026, the system will automatically revert to the full billing of interest and penalties.”
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
City Hall isn’t just threatening to bring back the interest; they are preparing a full-scale enforcement blitz. For landowners who fail to take advantage of the remaining 48 hours, the county has outlined a “menu of pain” that includes:
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Property Seizure: The county has the legal mandate to take over the management of properties with chronic arrears. This means the county could start collecting rent directly from your tenants until the debt is cleared.
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Auctioneer Action: Sakaja’s team has already prepared a list of properties slated for the hammer. Defaulters risk losing their multi-million shilling investments over debts that could have been settled during the waiver period.
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Clamping and Denied Services: Beyond physical property, the county plans to deny development approvals and business permits to any entity or individual with outstanding land rate balances.
How to Pay
In a bid to minimize the “last-day rush” drama at City Hall Annex, the county has digitized the entire payment process. Residents are encouraged to use the NairobiPay portal or the USSD code *647#.
“Don’t wait until the system is overwhelmed on the 31st. We have made it easy to pay from your phone or office,” the Finance department added.
Why City Hall is Desperate for the Cash
The hardline stance comes at a time when Nairobi is grappling with a massive budget deficit.
Land rates remain the single largest source of Own-Source Revenue (OSR) for the capital. With ambitious projects like the “Dishi na County” school feeding program and the ongoing transformation of city roads requiring billions in funding, Sakaja is under pressure to collect every cent owed to the taxpayer.
