Nairobi— In a quiet corner of Roysambu, Nairobi County officials are knocking on doors and they’re not delivering flyers.
Led by County Attorney Christine Ireri, a delegation of officers began issuing demand notices to property owners with outstanding land rates. The campaign, launched Monday, marks the start of a citywide push to reclaim unpaid dues and strengthen the capital’s strained finances.
“We’re not here to punish,” Ms. Ireri told reporters on the ground. “We’re here to remind people that their contributions however small keep Nairobi running.”
The operation is rooted in the newly enacted National Rating Act, signed into law earlier this year. The legislation gives county governments stronger legal backing to pursue rate defaulters and boost local revenue streams.
Roysambu First, More Wards to Follow
Roysambu, in the city’s north, was singled out for the launch due to the high number of cases and the county’s need to shore up its revenue base for better service delivery.
“This is not just about enforcement. It’s about accountability and sustainability,” said Ms. Ireri. “Every shilling collected goes towards essentials waste collection, street lighting, road repairs.”
County officials were joined by Roysambu Subcounty Administrator Jane Munyiri, who helped lead the field teams in issuing notices and explaining payment options to residents.
Warning Shots and Legal Steps
While the tone was largely informative, the message was firm: pay now, or face possible legal consequences.
City Hall says it will extend the operation to other wards in the coming weeks, and legal action remains on the table for those who continue to ignore their obligations.
A senior officer in the delegation, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the press, said that some rate arrears in the ward date back more than five years.
“It’s not just the big landlords,” the officer said. “Even small property owners are on the list. The county has been too lenient in the past.”
A Broader Financial Push
The land rate campaign is part of a wider strategy by the Nairobi County Government to stabilise its finances amid growing pressure on service delivery.
Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration has repeatedly said that poor rate collection alongside misuse of funds and bloated payrolls has weakened the county’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
This latest operation sends a clear message: the era of unpaid bills quietly piling up may be coming to an end.
For residents of Roysambu, the knocks on the door may soon be followed by court summons unless, of course, the bills are settled.
