Nairobi Governor Johson Sakaja has given a go ahead for auction of properties that owe land rates to the county.
In a meeting with the Nairobi City County Executive Committee Sakaja authorized that caveats be imposed on all debt properties to prevent any transactions, including subdivision, amalgamation and transfer.
The Committee meeting also approved issuance of agency notice for properties with rental income, where tenants will be required to pay rent directly to Nairobi County until the outstanding rates are fully settled.
“The recovery process should be as efficient as possible and be handled by county internal lawyers to avoid incurring huge legal fees that are normally pegged on the value of land in dispute,” said Governor Sakaja.
The action follows the expiration of the second waiver for land rates penalties and interest, on condition that the owners settle the principal.
Nairobi County recently published in the media a list of rates defaulters and gave a one-month grace period to settle the principal amount, while waiving interest and penalties.
Sakaja directed all CEC Members and Chief Officers to avail themselves of vehicles and all necessary resources for revenue enhancement.
Besides, Sakaja emphasized the need for an efficient recovery process managed by internal lawyers to minimize legal fees.
As of June 18, Nairobi has raised KSh3,255,969,569 in land rates against a target of KSh7 billion with two weeks left to the end of the financial year.
Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: Protesters Chant “Ruto Must Go” in Nairobi CBD
Sakaja Boosts of Record Revenue Collection
The governor said the total revenue stands at Ksh12,262,100,000, the highest ever collected by any county government since the advent of devolution.
This is an increased compared to the previous record of Ksh12.1 billion which was set in the financial year 2015/2016.
Governor Sakaja lauded the county revenue team for surpassing the target, even with a period where enforcement was suspended to allow clients time to comply.
Also Read: Finance Bill: Govt Drops Contentious Tax Proposals After Pressure
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Environment sector to embark on a beautification of Langata Cemetery.
“Many people have sentimental feelings towards Langata Cemetery as almost everyone knows someone who is buried there. The ‘green army’ should use the resources already at their disposal and the plans at the City Park tree nursery to beautify the cemetery,” the Governor said.
The County Executive Committee Member for Finance was directed to issue a circular with guidelines on local and foreign travel.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2
