Kilifi County Announces Full Waiver on Penalties to Ease Burden on Property Owners and Businesses
Kilifi County has announced a month-long waiver on penalties and interest for property owners and business permit holders, in a move aimed at easing financial pressure on residents and boosting revenue compliance. Governor Gideon Mung’aro issued the directive on Wednesday, stating that all accrued charges on land rates and single business permits will be cleared between May 1 and May 31. The temporary measure is expected to give traders, homeowners and small entrepreneurs an opportunity to settle their outstanding dues without the extra burden of accumulated penalties.
In the notice, Governor Mung’aro urged residents to take advantage of the window, emphasizing that the waiver is meant to cushion households still grappling with economic hardship. The decision aligns Kilifi with a growing number of coastal counties adopting similar strategies to encourage compliance. Just days earlier, Mombasa County implemented a comparable one-month waiver covering penalties on land rates and business permits between April 14 and May 14, citing provisions under the Constitution and county tax laws. Taita Taveta County also followed suit but introduced a different approach—a 40 per cent waiver on overdue land rates, on condition that the remaining balance is cleared by the end of May.
County authorities say the waivers are designed to address long-standing challenges in revenue collection, where strict penalties and mounting interest often discourage taxpayers from regularising their accounts. In Kilifi, officials have noted that many residents fall behind on payments due to fluctuating incomes and the rising cost of doing business. By granting temporary relief, the county hopes to boost compliance, unlock stalled revenues and enhance its ability to finance key development projects. Local representatives have welcomed the move, saying it will particularly benefit small-scale traders, farmers and start-up entrepreneurs who continue to face financial strain.
Going forward, Kilifi County plans to use the waiver period to review its valuation roll and strengthen engagement with taxpayers to prevent future arrears. The county government has also hinted at developing long-term strategies to make revenue systems simpler and more affordable. As neighbouring counties adopt similar measures, the coordinated efforts are expected to support economic recovery across the coastal region, while creating a more business-friendly environment for residents and investors alike.