Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has announced a 100% waiver on interest (penalties) for all land rate defaulters in the county.
In a notice, the county boss stated that the amnesty period would only be applicable for those who paid their outstanding rates in full within one month, from September 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020.
"The ratepayer must clear in full the total principal land rate and pay 10% administrative costs based on interest amount payable," the statement read in part.
On the other hand, land rate defaulters were also warned that upon failure to pay, legal consequences would be instituted including compelling land rate defaulter’s tenants to pay directly to the County Government until the land rates and interest due are fully paid.
The defaulters also face cancelling or withdrawal of any licence/permit granted in the premises in which land rates have not been paid.
The county further stated that charges would continue to accumulate on the properties over unpaid rates plus interest until the full amount is cleared.
Additionally, defaulters with pending cases in court for recovery of rates arrears would, in addition, be required to pay the legal costs incurred.
The County Government of Nairobi, through its principal agent, Kenya Revenue Authority operates a cashless payment system.
All payments should be made through the following County Revenue Collection accounts:
Cooperative Bank, Account Name: Nairobi City County KRA Revenue Account; Account Number: 01141709410000; Branch: City Hall and National Bank under the account name: Nairobi City County KRA Revenue Account; Account Number: 01071225251100; Branch: Kenyatta Avenue.
Concerned property owners should make payments upon obtaining bills/invoices from City Hall Cash office, Makadara Cash Office and Times Tower Ground Floor Banking Hall. Payments through Cooperative Bank require their payment slips be presented to the county's cash offices.
Failure to present the banking slip for receipting immediately after payment will not relieve the obligation to pay late payment penalties where applicable.
Pending Land Rates Payments to County
In 2019, the Nairobi County revenue collection revealed that it was owed over Ksh120 billion in land rates by government and private entities.
Listed among the biggest defaulters were Parliament, Department of Defence, Central Police, National Treasury, Vigilance House, and other affiliated agencies.
Officials from the rates departments cited lack of title deeds for property, an outdated valuation system and long legal processes as some of the challenges to revenue collection.
