Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has made it clear: those who refuse to pay their land rates will face the full force of the law. As the financial year ends, the county’s revenue team has stepped up efforts to collect unpaid dues from property owners across the city.
Speaking at the CBK Police Housing event in Industrial Area, Sakaja defended the recent clampdown on buildings whose owners have not paid land rates.
“Some people have criticised our drive, including the clamping of buildings,” he said. “But it is unfair. Mama Mboga pays her dues every day in the market. Yet, some who live in posh estates avoid paying a single shilling. We all want better services, but that cannot happen if we don’t all contribute.”
The governor pointed to a glaring budget gap between Nairobi and other major cities. “Paris has 2 million people and runs on a 132 billion shilling budget. Nairobi, with over 7 million residents, operates on just 40 billion shillings. Yet, we expect Paris-level services. That won’t work if we don’t pay our unified business permits and land rates.”
Sakaja emphasised that the crackdown is about fairness and shared responsibility. “We cannot allow a few to avoid their obligations while the rest bear the burden. No one will be spared.”
The county’s revenue department, under Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge, has doubled its enforcement efforts. They plan to continue the operation throughout June to ensure compliance.
For many Nairobi residents, the move is long overdue. “It’s about time those with expensive properties start paying their fair share,” said a local market trader who requested anonymity. “We have been struggling with poor services for too long.”
However, some property owners argue the fees are too high or unfairly imposed. “We want to pay, but the rates keep going up with no clear benefit,” said one landlord in Westlands.
County officials say they are open to dialogue but stress that payment is non-negotiable for the city to improve.
As Nairobi seeks to transform into a world-class city, Governor Sakaja’s message is clear: funding must come from everyone, rich or poor.
