Kajiado County to Repossess and Reallocate Land Over Unpaid Rates
Kajiado, Kenya – Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has issued a stern warning to landowners with unpaid land rates, signaling the county’s plan to repossess and reallocate such parcels to residents willing to meet their payment obligations.
Speaking during the opening of the fourth session of the Kajiado County Assembly, Governor Lenku emphasized that land is a major source of revenue for the county, yet the 2023/2024 financial year yielded only Sh74 million from land rates, far below the county’s potential. He set a target to increase collection to Sh200 million in the current financial year.
The county government will soon begin to repossess and reallocate parcels whose land rates and rents remain unpaid. I direct the Department of Lands and Finance to commence this process immediately, said Lenku.
The governor noted that while ongoing litigation affects revenue collection from freehold titles, properties with allotment letters, leasehold titles, and commercial or residential parcels not covered by court orders remain liable for land rates.
Governor Lenku also highlighted the success of the county’s alternative justice system, which has resolved 328 out of 400 land-related cases, and urged urban and peri-urban MCAs to refrain from inciting resistance to payment.
County Assembly leaders echoed the call for compliance. John Loisa, Majority Leader, urged defaulters to honor their obligations, while Joseph Toris from Ewuaso Oo Nkidong’i ward recommended public sensitization forums before any repossession and reallocation.
The High Court had previously barred the county from collecting rates on freehold properties, a matter set to be revisited in February 2025.