Counties Are Cracking Down on Rate Defaulters—Get Notified of Amnesty Windows & Due Dates
May 17, 2025
The National and County governments are empowered by law to take lien of your property to recover rates associated with that parcel of land.
In 2025, the Nairobi County Government implemented a land rates amnesty to allow property owners to clear rates arrears without incurring penalties. Initially, the deadline for land rate payments was extended to April 15, 2025, allowing Nairobi land owners to settle their dues without penalties. Subsequently, the waiver period was further extended to April 30, 2025, providing a final opportunity for defaulters to clear their arrears without penalties.Citizen DigitalThe Star
Following the end of the amnesty, the county initiated a comprehensive enforcement operation starting May 12, 2025.This crackdown targets property owners with outstanding land rates, including actions such as clamping buildings, freezing bank accounts, and auctioning properties .The Star+3Standard Media+3Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+3Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+4The Star+4Kenya Insights+4
Recent Examples of Land Rate Waivers by County (2024/5)
| County | Waiver Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | May 20 – June 20, 2024 | 100% waiver on penalties and interest for land rates. |
| Meru | April 10 – May 10, 2025 | 100% waiver on penalties and interest for land rates and single business permits. |
| Mombasa | April 14 – May 14, 2025 | 100% waiver on penalties and interest for land rates and single business permits. |
| Taita Taveta | Until May 30, 2025 | 40% waiver on unpaid land rates, applicable if 60% of the principal is paid by the deadline. |
Notable Incidents of Enforcement Actions:
1. Nairobi County (2024–2025)
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Closure of Properties: In May 2025, Nairobi County began clamping down on properties with significant land rate arrears. Buildings in areas such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, and the Industrial Area were targeted. Once clamped, these properties were marked as county assets until debts were cleared. kenyans.co.ke+1Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+1
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Imposition of Caveats and Auctions: Following the lapse of a penalty waiver in mid-2024, the Nairobi County Executive Committee approved the auction of properties with unpaid land rates. Caveats were placed on these properties to prevent transactions like sales or transfers. Additionally, tenants were directed to pay rent directly to the county government until outstanding rates were settled. kutv.co.ke+2capitalfm.co.ke+2allAfrica.com+2
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Publication of Defaulters: The county published a list of properties with arrears ranging from Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.31 billion, including those owned by government entities and private organizations. Citizen Digital
2. Historical Precedents
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In 2013, Nairobi’s then-Governor Evans Kidero threatened to auction properties of land rate defaulters if arrears were not cleared by a specified deadline. YouTube
Legal Framework:
Under Kenyan law, county governments are empowered to enforce land rate collections through various measures, including:
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Issuance of Agency Notices: Directing tenants to remit rent payments to the county to offset arrears.
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Imposition of Caveats: Restricting transactions on properties with outstanding dues.
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Property Auctions: Selling properties in arrears to recover unpaid rates.
These actions are typically preceded by public notices and grace periods, allowing property owners an opportunity to settle their dues.
By Peter Waithaka Kariuki
Director, Ideal Solutions and Shelter Limited