Sakaja puts up measures to push tenants into paying land rate debts
Nairobi county government has initiated the process of recovering unpaid land rates.
During a County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting chaired by Governor Sakaja Johnson (pictured) yesterday, it was authorised that caveats be imposed on all debt properties to prevent any transactions, including subdivision, amalgamation and transfer.
The cabinet resolved that tenants of properties with pending land rates will be required to pay rent directly to the county government until outstanding rates are settled.
It further allowed the auction of properties that owe land rates to the county.
Sakaja emphasised the need for an efficient recovery process managed by internal lawyers to minimise legal fees.
Legal fees.
“The recovery process should be as efficient as possible and be handled by county internal lawyers to avoid incurring huge legal fees that are normally pegged on the value of land in dispute,” said Sakaja.
He further directed all CEC members and chief officers to avail vehicles and all necessary resources for revenue enhancement.
This follows the expiration of a waiver period for penalties and interest on land rates, contingent on payment of the principal amount.
The county had previously published a list of defaulters and provided a one-month grace period to settle debts.
Sakaja also lauded the county revenue team for surpassing the target.
“As of today, Nairobi has raised Ksh3,255,969,569 in land rates against a target of Ksh7 billion with two weeks left until the end of the financial year. “
“Total revenue stands at Ksh12,262,100,000, the highest ever collected by any county government since the advent of devolution. The previous record of Sh12.1 billion was set in the financial year 2015/2016,” he said.
He also directed the environmental sector to embark on the beautification of Langata cemetery.
“Many people have sentimental feelings towards Langata cemetery as almost everyone knows someone who is buried there. The ‘green army’ should use the resources already at their disposal and the plans at the City Park tree nursery to beautify the cemetery,” he said.
