Sakaja completes mapping of buildings for clamping as crackdown on land rates defaulters begins

Nairobi County’s Receiver of Revenue, Tiras Njoroge, has confirmed that a comprehensive mapping of buildings to be clamped due to land rates defaulting has been completed today. Speaking at the Nairobi Customer Care Centre, Tiras stated that with the report now ready, a major operation targeting land rates defaulters will commence on Tuesday. 

He added that today (Monday) was set aside for final preparations by county officials.

“Today, our officers were out in the field marking out non-compliant buildings. We have the list, we know the locations, and logistically we are ready,” said Njoroge. 

“After a full day of printing banners and notices, we are set to start clamping down from 8 a.m. tomorrow.”

The campaign follows a directive to enforce compliance among landowners who have defaulted on paying land rates. Of the 256,000 land parcels in Nairobi County, only about 50,000 are up to date on payments.

“It’s a sad affair, Yet the rest still expect services from the county. We’ve given them ample time. Now we are moving forward with enforcement.” He confirmed

According to the county, it stands to recover up to KSh 10 billion in unpaid land rates. Property owners who are in arrears will have their buildings marked, clamped, and notices issued to tenants, advising them to redirect rent payments directly to the Nairobi County revenue account until the debts are cleared.

“What we’re doing is fully within the law, and we will not relent, Our officers have returned with comprehensive reports. Everything is ready—from posters to personnel. Tomorrow, the clampdown begins.” He continued.

Land is the most significant sector for revenue mobilization in cities, and if Nairobi County successfully collects land rates, it could generate an extra Ksh.10 billion.