By Shadrack Nyakoe
The Nairobi City County Executive Committee has today given the nod for auction of properties that owe land rates to the county.
A meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Governor Sakaja Johnson further authorized that caveats be imposed on all debt properties to prevent any transactions, including subdivision, amalgamation and transfer.
The CEC meeting also approved issuance of agency notice for properties with rental income, where tenants will be required to pay rent directly to Nairobi City County Government until the outstanding rates are fully settled.
The action follows the expiration of the second waiver for land rates penalties and interest, on condition that the owners settle the principal.
“The recovery process should be as efficient as possible and be handled by county internal lawyers to avoid incurring huge legal fees that are normally pegged on the value of land in dispute,” said Sakaja.
The county government recently published in the media a list of rates defaulters and gave a one-month grace period to settle the principal amount, while waiving interest and penalties.
The Nairobi County Governor directed all County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers to avail vehicles and all necessary resources for revenue enhancement.
As of today, Nairobi has raised KShs 3,255,969,569 in land rates against a target of KShs 7 billion with two weeks left to the end of the financial year.
Total revenue stands at KShs 12,262,100,000, the highest ever collected by any county government since the advent of devolution.
The previous record of KShs 12.1 billion was set in the financial year 2015/2016.
Sakaja lauded the county revenue team for surpassing the target, even with a period where enforcement was suspended to allow clients time to comply.
Read also:- Sakaja Ups Revenue Collection, Sets New Record with Sh12.1 Billion
Meanwhile, he has directed the Environment sector to embark on a beautification of Langata Cemetery.
“Many people have sentimental feelings towards Langata Cemetery as almost everyone knows someone who is buried there. The ‘green army’ should use the resources already at their disposal and the plans at the City Park tree nursery to beautify the cemetery,” he said.
The County Executive Committee Member for Finance was directed to issue a circular with guidelines on local and foreign travel.