Nairobi landowners have two days to pay their rates before a brutal crackdown. Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration confirmed there will be no extension past the December 31 deadline for the 100 percent penalty waiver. County Finance Executive Charles Kerich said the "Lipa Karibu" grace period is definitely over. Starting January 1, the system will automatically reinstate all accumulated interest and penalties on unpaid principal amounts.
The enforcement plans are severe. The county can seize management of properties with huge arrears, collecting rent from tenants directly. They have a list of properties ready for auction. They will also deny business permits and development approvals to anyone with an outstanding balance. The advice is to pay now using the NairobiPay portal or the *647# USSD code to avoid a last-minute system crash.
This aggressive push is about cash. Nairobi faces a major budget shortfall, and land rates are its biggest source of internal revenue. Funding for key projects like the "Dishi na County" school meals program depends on this collection drive. The waiver was their olive branch, and time has run out.
The enforcement plans are severe. The county can seize management of properties with huge arrears, collecting rent from tenants directly. They have a list of properties ready for auction. They will also deny business permits and development approvals to anyone with an outstanding balance. The advice is to pay now using the NairobiPay portal or the *647# USSD code to avoid a last-minute system crash.
This aggressive push is about cash. Nairobi faces a major budget shortfall, and land rates are its biggest source of internal revenue. Funding for key projects like the "Dishi na County" school meals program depends on this collection drive. The waiver was their olive branch, and time has run out.
