Land Rates Hike Sparks Business Outcry in 10,000 in Nairobi

Nairobi County Sets New Land Rates Ahead of 2026
NAIROBI, Kenya — Property owners in Nairobi will face new land rates starting January 1, 2026, following a directive by the Nairobi City County Government. The rates, published in Gazette Notice No. 15899 under the National Rating Act, 2024, set annual flat charges ranging from KSh 2,560 for land parcels of 0.1 hectares or less to KSh 4,800 for properties exceeding 0.4 hectares. County officials have urged landowners whose properties were excluded from the valuation roll or who raised objections to contact the Chief Valuer at City Hall to ensure compliance.
Patrick Mbogo, the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning, emphasized that all ratable properties in Nairobi will be subject to the revised rates. Property owners whose new rates are lower than what they paid in 2022 will continue paying the previous rates, ensuring no unintended increases for those who benefit from the reassessment. The announcement is part of broader county efforts to modernize property valuation, streamline revenue collection, and fund urban development initiatives across the capital.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has highlighted that the revised rates are designed to balance revenue generation with fairness to property owners, noting that accurate valuations are essential for funding city services such as roads, public spaces, and sanitation. Observers say the update could affect both homeowners and investors, particularly in high-density areas, while giving county authorities more predictable revenue streams. The county plans to engage the public and provide guidance in the coming months to ensure smooth implementation of the new rates.