Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has proposed new changes to land rates to cushion Kenyans from the harsh economic times in the country.
In a statement, Wamatangi announced that the County Government was proposing the exemption of uncommercialised freehold land from taxation.
This includes land being used for domestic purposes such as subsistence farming. It also includes domestic and homestead land.
"Section 17 of the Principal Act be amended to include all freehold properties used as a homestead or for domestic purpose and/or for subsistence farming be part of exempt properties."
"Consequently, we propose to avail a transitional clause for persons who shall be exempt under the new proposal to be waived all land rates arrears that accrued," read part of the statement.
He added that the proposals were aimed at creating a people-centred land rating regime.
Additionally, the county boss announced that the county will also amend the Kiambu County Finance Bill 2024 to slash the rates from 0.25 per cent to 0.15 per cent. This will benefit all landowners in the county with commercialised land.
Another suggested proposal includes repealing section 45 of the Principal Act which states "Where a number of rates and penalty interest payable on a ratable property arrears, the County Government may sell the property under the section."
Furthermore, Wamatangi revealed that his administration would continue to undertake the delineation exercise of all 12 municipalities in Kiambu County. This will help define the actual boundaries of the municipalities and other urban areas.
"This will allow proper identification of the ratable areas and properties within the municipalities and other urban areas following the conferment of charters for the new six municipalities in Kiambu County," read part of the statement.
Wamatangi has asked the County Assembly to consider and pass the proposed amendments.
This move may see more Kenyans buying land in Kiambu which has been gaining popularity in the past years. Data from the HassConsult Land Index indicates that land in the county has been attracting more investors in the recent past.
