In the heart of Nairobi, a heavy steel clamp now grips the gates of one of the city’s most recognisable buildings. The Freemasons’ Hall on Nyerere Road, home to the Grand Lodge of East Africa, has been shut down by county officials over unpaid land rates totalling Ksh. 19 million.
The closure is part of a wider campaign by Nairobi County targeting thousands of property owners who have fallen behind on their dues. On Tuesday, senior county officials arrived with enforcement officers to seal the premises. Among them were Health CEC Suzanne Silantoi, Chief Officer Priscilla Mahinda from the Governor’s Office, and Chief Officer for Housing Lydia Mathia.
“This particular premises owes Nairobi County over Ksh.19 million in land rate arrears,” said Ms Silantoi at the scene. “We issued notices. They failed to comply. The law is clear, and we are simply enforcing it.”
The Freemasons’ Hall, a quiet but historic institution in Nairobi, is known more for its mystery than for making headlines. The clampdown marks a rare public confrontation with the secretive organisation, whose members have long kept to themselves.
Due Process, Then Disconnection
County officials insist the action was legal and preceded by months of warnings. Demand notices were sent, they said, and public announcements were published in local newspapers.
“Before we clamp a building, we go through all the steps,” Silantoi explained. “We don’t wake up and seal doors. There’s a process.”
Lydia Mathia, who oversees housing for the county, warned that non-payment won’t just mean padlocks and clamps. Water and sewer services could also be cut.
“If you can’t pay land rates, how do you expect to benefit from county services?” she asked. “We understand this affects tenants too, and that’s regrettable—but the responsibility lies with landlords.”
A City in Arrears
The figures paint a grim picture for Nairobi’s revenue department. According to county records, just 50,000 out of 256,000 registered land parcels are up to date with their payments. That’s a compliance rate of under 20 per cent.
In total, the city is owed an estimated Ksh. 10 billion.
To claw that back, the county plans to mark defaulting properties, clamp entrances, and post notices for tenants. Rent will be redirected to county accounts until owners settle their debts.
The clampdown has raised questions about the scale of non-compliance and whether residents are bearing the brunt of poor property management. But for now, officials say they’re left with no choice.
“This is not about targeting any specific group,” said Silantoi. “It’s about fairness. Everyone must pay their share.”
Officials from the Grand Lodge of East Africa have yet to make a public statement. The gates of their once-discreet meeting hall now stand shut—marked not by ceremony, but by a county notice and a heavy lock.
