Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has issued a stern
warning to land rate defaulters in the city, saying the crackdown will continue until
all outstanding rates are paid.
Speaking during the CBK Police Housing event in the
Industrial Area, Governor Sakaja defended the county’s recent clampdown on
property owners who have failed to pay land rates.
“Some people have not been happy with the revenue
collection drive we’re conducting in Nairobi, including the clamping of
buildings that have defaulted on land rates,” he said.
“But Mr.
President, allow me to say it is very unfair. Mama Mboga pays her dues every
single day in the market. Yet there are people living in posh estates, owning
buildings in the city, who won’t pay a single shilling in land rates. We all
want better services, but that cannot happen if we’re not contributing,” Sakaja
said.
Governor Sakaja emphasised the importance of
collective responsibility in transforming Nairobi into a world-class city.
“Last week, the Mayor of Paris visited and shared that
Paris, with a population of 2 million, operates on a Sh132 billion budget.
Nairobi, with over 7 million residents, runs on Sh40bn— yet we still expect
Paris-level services. That is impossible if we can’t even pay for unified business
permits and land rates,” Sakaja added
He added that the county government has scaled up
operations to ensure that every property owner pays what is due, and promised
that no one will be spared in the ongoing crackdown.
“We shall not let a few people avoid their obligations
while others carry the burden. The crackdown continues,” he said.
The county’s revenue department, led by Receiver of
Revenue Tiras Njoroge, has doubled its efforts and pledged to continue the
operation throughout the month of June.
