NAIROBI — The Nairobi County Government has gone to court seeking permission to auction dozens of clamped properties as it tightens its grip on landowners who have failed to pay their rates.
The county’s Finance Executive, Charles Kerich, said enforcement teams have compiled a list of defaulters whose properties remain clamped despite repeated warnings. If the courts grant approval, the county will proceed with public auctions.
“This is the third week of the operation, and we are continuing with the crackdown,” Mr Kerich told journalists on Wednesday. “We’ve identified properties where owners have completely refused to pay. We are now seeking court orders to sell them off to the highest bidders.”
The move marks an escalation in the county’s attempt to recover billions of shillings in unpaid land rates, a major source of revenue for Nairobi’s overstretched budget.
Kerich says the situation is unsustainable. “We cannot have just 20% of landowners paying land rates while everyone else enjoys public services,” he said. “It’s unfair to the few who comply.”
To make it harder for defaulters to delay payment, the county is also working with the Ministry of Lands to place legal caveats on the affected properties. These restrictions would prevent landowners from developing, borrowing against, or selling their properties until the arrears are settled.
“Once the ministry gives the green light, it means no development approvals, no bank loans using the land as collateral, and no sale of that land,” Mr Kerich explained. “We are serious about enforcement.”
The clampdown, which began earlier this year, is part of a broader push by the county to improve service delivery. Kerich said the money collected would go directly into upgrading roads, supplying water, and restocking hospitals.
“If everyone paid what they owe, we wouldn’t have clogged roads, empty pharmacies, and dry taps,” he said. “This is about fairness from residents and accountability from us.”
He also clarified that the campaign isn’t tied to this financial year alone. “The operation is ongoing,” Kerich said. “Even after June, court actions will continue. If you receive a court order, don’t panic just comply. It’s about civic duty.”
The campaign has so far seen dozens of properties clamped, particularly in upmarket neighbourhoods. County officials say many of the largest defaulters are commercial developers and absentee landlords.
It remains to be seen how the courts will respond to City Hall’s request to begin auctioning assets. But the message from Nairobi’s top finance official is clear: the free ride is over.
