Nairobi City County Offices/FILEThe Nairobi City County Government has issued a stern warning to owners of idle or unpaid-for plots across the city: develop your land or face repossession.
In a public notice released Monday, the county said individuals who were allocated land in site and service schemes, regularised informal settlements, and urban infill areas must settle outstanding payments and begin development within 60 days—or risk forfeiting their plots.
“Failure to comply with the conditions of land allocation would lead to repossession and reallocation without further notice,” the statement read.
The affected plots were allocated under programs aimed at improving housing and urban infrastructure, but the county says many beneficiaries have failed to pay the required fees or develop the land within the stipulated 24 months.
The county emphasized that public land was never meant for speculation.
“These parcels were allocated to meet the needs of urban communities through proper land use and development. Beneficiaries are expected to pay all the required fees and carry out acceptable developments within 24 months of allocation,” the notice added.
Plot owners who have already acquired leases or certificates of lease but whose properties are not reflected in the Nairobi Valuation Roll have also been urged to visit their local valuation offices for support.
Specific sub-county offices include Embakasi East (Embakasi Social Hall), Embakasi Central (Spine Road near Kayole I stage), Embakasi West (Umoja I), Kasarani (Ruai Customer Care Centre), and Embakasi North (Dandora Phase 1).
As part of broader reforms, the county also announced that beginning January 1, 2026, plot numbers will no longer be used for billing land rates. Instead, land parcel numbers will be adopted for more accurate and efficient billing.
To support the transition, county technical officers will visit developed properties to label parcel numbers on gates or doors. The public has been asked to cooperate fully during this exercise.
The Nairobi City County Government said the measures aim to promote accountability and ensure that urban land is used efficiently, especially at a time when the city is under increasing pressure to address housing shortages and infrastructure needs.
