Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has announced a 100 per cent waiver on penalties and interests accrued on unpaid land rates by land owners and landlords.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, September 6, the Governor, through the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Elijah Mwanzo, said the waiver was valid for the next 39 days from the day of publication of the notice.
According to Mwadime, the waiver would be given on interest accrued on land rates, provided that the outstanding principal is paid in full on or before October 15, 2025.
At the same time, the Governor announced a waiver of 40 per cent on the principal amount of all unpaid land rates, provided that the remaining 60 per cent of the outstanding amount is paid in full on or before October 15.
According to Mwadime, the decision to grant waivers on principal amount, penalties and interests on land rates was aimed at encouraging compliance among defaulting ratepayers.
He noted that the move would facilitate recovery of outstanding revenues for county development, and ensure a smooth transition to the new valuation roll by regularising ratepayer accounts.
Mwadime joins the list of governors who have, in recent weeks, announced waivers on accrued land rates. Hardly two months ago, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o announced a 100 per cent waiver on penalties and interests on land rates.
In a notice issued on June 10, Nyong'o revealed that the waiver would be valid for 18 days from June 12 to June 30, with Kisumu residents urged to comply.
The Governor, however, noted that the waiver would only apply to those who would be willing to pay the principal amount in full.
"All landowners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this waiver period. Note that the waiver applies only if you pay all the principal outstanding amount in full," the notice read in part.
In May this year, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga made a similar move by waiving all penalties and interests on accrued land rates by 100 per cent.
Addressing the press on May 26, Governor Kahiga noted that the move was part of the county government's pursuit of economic recovery amid the county's revenue collection shortfall.
